HISTORY  OF 


Dekalb  county 


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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

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HISTORY  OF 

dekalb  county 

TENNESSEE 


CSSSr 


By  will  T.  hale 

Author  of  "A  Hlstorv  of  Tennessee  and  Tennesseans, ' 
"The  Indians  and  Tennessee  Pioneers," 
"True  Stories  of  Jamestown,  Vir- 
Ointa,"  and  Other  Books 


NASHVILLE.  TENN. 

PAUL  HUNTER,   PUBLISHER 

1915 


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•  ^  •.  . 

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Pni8S  O^  PUBLISHtNQ  HOUtt  M.  C.  OHUROH.  tOUTH,  NASMVILtE.  TCNN. 


3^3  no^ 


SrbimKb  to 

CHARLIE,   HERBERT,   HILDA 
AND   HOWELL 


PREFACE  AND  ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 


Vi 


I  HAVE  thought  the  virtues  and  affairs  of  the  people 
of  my  native  county  vi'orthy  of  chronicling  and  trust 
there  is  a  place  among  them  for  this  little  book.  It  is 
finished  with  the  haze  and  hush  of  Indian  summer 
about  me  and  under  the  spell  of  the  old  hills.  It  is 
i^  easy  to  see  once-familiar  faces,  to  hear  remembered 
^  voices,  to  recall  the  little  activities  on  farms  and  in 
c=  villages,  and  I  cherish  the  fact  that  I  was  once  a  part 
g  of  all  this.  It  should  not  be  a  matter  for  wonder,  then, 
^  that  I  often  feel  what  Burns  felt  when  he  gave  expres- 
sion to  his  perpetually  quoted  wish  : 

^  That  I  for  poor  auld  Scotland's  sake 

oi  Some  useful  plan  or  book  could  make, 

g  Or  sing  a  sang  at  least. 

The  works  which  have  been  helpful  are  named  where 


< 


o  quoted.  Very  valuable,  indeed,  have  been  two  musty 
'^  account  books  referred  to  repeatedly  herein ;  they  have 
^  helped  so  much  to  illuminate  a  bygone  time.  The  first 
^    is  that  of  the  Liberty  physician  and  merchant,  Ebe- 

2  nezer  Wright,  dated  from  April  22,  1832,  to  June  18, 

3  1833.  The  second  belonged  to  Dr.  John  W.  Overall, 
of  Alexandria,  and  dates  from  1830  to  1834,  but  was 
afterwards  used  by  his  father.  Col.  Abraham  Overall. 
While  I  never  had  much  fondness  for  figures,  these 
two  documents,  with  all  that  they  reveal  in  and  be- 
tween the  lines,  proved  as  interesting  as  romance.  I 
must  be  pardoned  for  referring  to  them  so  often  as 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

well  as  for  intruding  my  own  recollections.  Many  in- 
dividuals have  offered  data  and  suggestions,  among 
them  H.  H.  Jones,  L.  E.  Simpson,  Miss  Effie  Simpson, 
Mrs.  Josie  Davis,  M.  A.  Stark,  Rob  Roy,  Isaac  Cooper, 
Dib  Dinges,  J.  F.  Roy,  Alexandria ;  Mrs.  Lizzie  Hale, 
Mrs.  Belle  Overall,  Mrs.  C.  L.  Bright.  W.  L. 
Vick,  T.  G.  Bratten,  J.  F.  Caplinger,  Liberty;  Dr. 
R.  M.  Mason,  Temperance  Hall;  Dr.  T.  W.  Wood, 
Bellbuckle;  Mrs.  Rachel  Payne,  Watertown;  Mrs.  S. 
W.  McClellan,  Lieut.  B.  L.  Ridley,  Murf reesboro ; 
Rev.  J.  H.  Grime,  Lebanon ;  Rev.  J.  W.  Cullom, 
Triune ;  Hon.  Norman  Robinson,  Allan  Wright, 
Dowelltown;  Ralph  Robinson,  Sparta;  Rev.  Van  N. 
Smith,  Laurel  Hill;  Horace  McGuire,  B.  M.  Cantrell, 
Smithville;  Rev.  G.  L.  Beale,  Springfield;  James  H. 
Fite,  Anthony,  Kans. ;  John  K.  Bain,  Shreveport, 
La. ;  Thomas  J.  Finley,  Celina,  Tex. ;  James  H.  Bur- 
ton, Summers,  Ark. ;  L  T.  Rhea,  M.  L.  Fletcher, 
Robert  Quarles,  Jr.,  H.  Leo  Boles,  A.  B.  Hooper,  Tal 
Allen,  Isaiah  White,  Hon.  J.  W.  Byrns,  L.  J.  Watkins 
(a  most  competent  proof  reader  for  the  Methodist 
Publishing  House),  and  officials  of  the  State  and  Car- 
negie Libraries,  Nashville. 

But  for  the  following  these  annals  could  not  have 
been  written :  My  brother,  H.  L.  Hale,  Liberty,  born 
about  1855,  descendant  of  the  pioneers  Benjamin  Hale 
and  Abraham  Overall ;  Ed  Reece,  Nashville,  son  of  a 
hero  of  three  wars,  Capt.  Jack  Reece;  Rev.  Petway 
Banks,  Dowelltown,  born  about  1857  and  one  of  the 
purest  citizens  the  county  ever  produced  ;  James  Givan, 
born  in  1839,  descendant  of  a  first  settler,  a  splendid 

vi 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

type  of  citizen,  and  the  best  authority  on  local  history 
around  Liberty ;  Livingston  Tubb,  Alexandria,  grand- 
son of  the  patriot  and  pioneer  Col.  James  Tubb ;  James 
Dearman,  Smithville,  born  in  185 1  of  pioneer  stock 
and  the  soul  of  helpful  courtesy;  Riley  Dale,  born  in 
1841  or  1842,  grandson  of  pioneer  William  Dale  and 
a  man  of  correct  walk;  and  Dr.  J.  B.  Foster,  born  in 
Liberty  in  1839,  but  now  an  honored  physician  of 
Meridian,  Miss.,  a  genius  whose  remarkable  memory 
is  as  full  and  reliable  as  the  famous  diary  of  Samuel 
Pepys. 

NASHvnxE,  Tenn. 

vu 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Chapter.  Page. 

I.  When  Tennessee  Was  Young i 

Once  a  GDunty  of  North  Carolina — Becomes  a 
State — Memorials  of  a  Vanished  Race — Indian  Tribes 
and  Their  Depredations — First  Settler  of  DeKalb 
County — Indian  Battle  Near  the  Site  of  Liberty — 
Game. 

II.  DeKalb   Couxri-    Established — OrnciALs 9 

Bill  to  Erect  the  County — Sundr>-  Changes  in  the 
Line — Organization  of  County,  Circuit,  and  Chancer)' 
Courts — Topography — Resources  and  Leading  Crops — 
Live  Stock — Principal  Streams — Early  Mills — Poli- 
tics— Count)-  Officers — Senators  and  Representatives. 

III.  The   Oldest   Village 22 

First  Settler  Arrives  at  Libert)- — Sketch  of  Adam 
Dale — First  Merchants — Rise  of  the  Dale  Mill  Settle- 
ment— Present  Business  Director)- — Changes  Since 
Early  Times — Reminiscences  of  Mrs.  Pa)-ne  and  Dr. 
Foster — Postal  Affairs — Professional  Men— Land- 
marks. 

IV.  Pastimes  of  the  Foreparents 39 

Social  Matters — Primitive  Music — Horse-Racing — 
Ariel,  Noted  Racer — Musters  Great  Occasions — The 
Chase — Hospitality — A  Bibulous  Generation — Cheap- 
ness of  Intoxicants. 

V.  F.\RMING    AND    MERCHANDISING 48 

Land  Warrants — Hemp  and  Cotton  Crops — Breeds 
of  Stock — Prices  for  Produce — The  Day  of  Home- 
spun Clothes — The  Village  Stores  and  Long-Ago 
Prices — Men's  and  Women's  Fashions. 

ix 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Chapter.  Pack. 

VI.  Relating  to  Education 56 

Old  Field  and  Other  Schools — Textbooks  of  Old 
Times  —  Punishments  in  School  —  Games  —  Earliest 
School  in  the  County — Early  and  Latter-Day  Tutors — 
Educational  Institutions  at  Liberty.  Alexandria,  and 
Smithville. 

VII.  Religious    History 67 

Salem  Baptist  Church — First  Ministers,  Deacons, 
and  Clerks — Exhorters — Other  Baptist  Churches — 
Methodism  and  Its  Two  "Wings" — Interesting  Per- 
sonal Mention — Cumberland  Presbyterians  and  Disci- 
ples— Memories  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Cullom. 

VIII.  Annals  of  Alexandria 88 

The  Pioneers — Incorporation — Business  Men  of 
Past  and  Present — Professional  Men — Banks — Jour- 
nalism— Milling  Interests — A.  and  M.  Association — 
Colored  Fair — Personal  References. 

IX.  Concerning  Slaves  and  Free  Negroes 98 

Negro  Insurrections — Some  Owners  of  Slaves — 
Locally  Popular  Types — A  Colored  Infidel — Three 
Notable  "Runaways" — A  Pathetic  Story — Family  of 
Free  Negroes — Ante-Bellum  Laws — Negroes  in  the 
War. 

X.  Stagecoach    and   Tavern    Days ro6 

The  Turnpike  Company  Incorporated — The  Route 
Surveyed — A  Tragedy — Old  Stage  Road — Noted  Tav- 
erns— General  Jackson  and  Other  Notables — Balls — 
Sligo — Scenery. 

XI.  The  County  Seat H9 

"Macon"  First  Name  Selected— Public  Buildings- 
Incorporation — Names  of  Lawyers  and  Judges — 
Early  and  Late  Business   Men,   Physicians,   Postmai- 

X 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Chapter.  Page. 

ters,  and  Others — Banking  and  Journalism — Hotels — 
NecrologicaL 

XII.  Historical   Jetsam 128 

Physical  Giants — Tall  Men  and  Short — Two  Erudite 
Physicians — Mysterious  Disappearances — Story  of  a 
Monument — Study  in  Names — Noted  Expatriates — 
Folk  Stories. 

XIII.  Smaller  Villages  of  the  County 139 

Temperance  Hall— The  Stokeses  and  Other  Fami- 
lies—Merchants, Physicians,  and  Others — Sketch  of 
Dowelltown — The  Gray  Gravej^ard — Schools — Laurel 
Hill — Past  and  Present  History — Forks-of-the-Pike 
and  Keltonsburg. 

XIV.  In  the  Early  Wars 151 

Revolutionary  Soldiers — Veterans  of  1812 — Cap- 
tains Tubb  and  Dale — Was  There  a  Third  Com- 
pany?— Black  Hawk  War  Veterans — DeKalb  Troops 

in  the  War  with  Mexico. 

XV.  Secession — DeKalb   Confederates 162 

The  Question  of  Secession — How  DeKalb  County 
Voted — Period  of  Intense  Excitement — Call  for  Con- 
federate Troops — Muster  Rolls  of  DeKalb  Confed- 
erates. 

XVI.  Stokes's    Cavalry 185 

Companies     from     DeKalb     County — Promotions, 

Resignations,  and  Deaths — Muster  Rolls — In  Many 
Engagements  in  Various  Parts  of  the  State — Sketch 
of  General  Stokes. 

XVII.  Blackburn's  and  Garrison's  Federals 194 

Sketches  of  Colonel  Blackburn  and  Captain  Garri- 
son— Blackburn  a  Captain  at  Eighteen— Officers  and 
Privates — Affair  at    Shelbyville — Casualty   List. 

xi 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Chapter.  Page. 

XVIII.  Progress  of  the  Big  War 208 

Battles  in  the  County  Named — Morgan's  Command — 
Camps  at  Liberty — Capt.  Thomas  Quirk — Battle  of 
Milton — Scouting  from  Liberty — Exciting  Days. 

XIX.  Personal    Experiences 218 

Noncombatants  in  War  Times — Allison's  Squad- 
ron— A  Race  and  a  Skirmish — Anecdote  of  Reece  and 
Allison  —  Minor  Tragedies — Skedaddling  Stories  — 
Boyish  Memories. 

XX.  Regular  and  Guerrilla  Warfare 229 

Battle  of  Snow's  Hill — Wheeler  Arrives  at  Alex- 
andria— Scouting  around  That  Town — Morgan  Starts 
on  His  Northern  Raid — Death  of  Morgan — Battle  of 
the  Calf  Killer — Wheeler's  Raid — Stockade  Taken — 
Pomp  Kersey's  Men. 

XXI.  Peace  and  the  Aftermath 244 

Friction  between  Former  Neighbors — The  Freed 
Negroes — Loyal  League  and  Ku-Klux  Klan — Stokes's 
and  Senter's  Canvass — Makeshifts  of  the  Citizens — 
Wonderful  Latter-Day  Progress. 

xii 


HISTORY  OF  DeKALB  COUNTY 


CHAPTER  I. 

When  Tennessee  Was  Young, 

As  a  definite  district  bearing  its  present  name,  De- 
Kalb  County  is  not  old,  since  it  was  erected  in  1837 
and  not  organized  until  1838.  But  the  territory  in- 
cluded within  its  boundaries  has  a  history  we  need  to 
know  something  about,  along  with  that  of  the  State, 
and  this  will  be  treated  before  taking  up  its  organiza- 
tion. 

The  entire  domain  of  Tennessee  was  once  a  part  of 
the  State  of  North  Carolina.  Between  1750  and  1775 
the  first  settlements  were  made  in  that  portion  of  the 
State  now  known  as  East  Tennessee.  When  the  colo- 
nies there  numbered  several  hundred  whites,  North 
Carolina  in  1777  asserted  jurisdiction  over  the  west- 
ern part  of  her  lands  and  formed  it  into  Washington 
County.  In  other  words,  the  whole  of  the  State  of 
Tennessee  became  Washington  County,  N.  C. 

In  1780,  after  Col.  James  Robertson  with  seven 
of  his  friends — William  Overall  (an  uncle  of  Col. 
Abraham  Overall),  George  Freeland,  William  Neely, 
Edward  Swanson,  James  Hanley,  Mark  Robertson,  and 
Zachariah  White — had  come  over  the  mountains  from 
East  Tennessee  and  selected  the  site  of  Nashville  for 
another  settlement,  a  party  of  from  two  hundred  to 
three  hundred  of  his  relatives  and  acquaintances  ar- 

I 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

rived  on  tlie  Cumberland  River  and  built  homes  and 
forts.  In  1783  a  new  county  was  laid  off  by  North 
Carolina.  It  was,  of  course,  taken  from  Washington 
County,  included  a  large  scope  of  country  west  of  the 
Cumberland  Mountains  (which  were  called  the  Wil- 
derness), and  became  Davidson  County.  In  1786 
Sumner  County  was  laid  off,  its  eastern  boundary 
being  the  Wilderness;  but  in  1799  it  was  reduced  by 
establishing  Smith  and  Wilson  Counties  out  of  its 
eastern  territory.  Smith  County  at  first  included  what 
later  became  Jackson,  White,  Warren,  and  Cannon 
Counties — or  at  least  a  great  part  of  Cannon.  Mean- 
while, in  1790,  North  Carolina  ceded  all  the  Tennessee 
country  to  the  United  States,  and  it  became,  to  use 
the  short  name,  Southwest  Territory,  with  William 
Blount  appointed  Governor  by  President  Washington. 
In  1796  Southwest  Territory  was  admitted  into  the 
Union  as  a  State  and  was  given  the  name  of  Tennes- 
see. 

DeKalb  County  was  not  erected  until  1837,  but  of 
course  settlers  came  and  occupied  the  land  while  it  was 
a  part  of  some  of  the  other  counties.  In  what  part 
of  the  country  that  was  to  become  DeKalb  County  did 
the  pioneers  first  make  a  settlement?  It  is  believed 
by  some  of  the  older  citizens  that  they  reached  the 
Alexandria  neighborhood  first,  about  1795;  others  say 
the  first  settlement  was  made  at  Lil^erly  by  Adam 
Dale  about  1797.  Each  contention  has  merits.  There 
had  been  a  settlement  at  Brush  Creek,  within  two  and 
a  half  miles  of  Alexandria,  early  enough  for  Rev. 
Cantrcll    Bethel,   of   Liberty,   to   constitute  a    Baptist 

2 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Church  May  2,  1802.  2\Iight  there  not  have  been  some 
settler  to  locate  two  or  three  miles  southward  of  Brush 
Creek  some  years  earlier  than  the  institution  of  the 
Church  ?  On  the  other  hand,  the  colony  of  forty  souls 
who  came  from  Maryland  to  Liberty  about  1800  on 
hearing  from  Adam  Dale  had  to  cut  a  wagon  road 
through  the  forest  and  canebrakes  from  a  few  miles 
out  of  Nashville  to  Liberty.  All  the  traditions  are  to 
that  effect,  and  no  hint  from  the  pioneers  has  come 
down  to  indicate  that  they  passed  any  settlement  in 
the  vicinity  of  Alexandria.  It  is  possible,  however, 
that  the  road  opened  by  the  colony  ran  considerably 
south  of  the  old  stage  road  and  turnpike  upon  which 
Alexandria  is  located.  This  point  will  probably  never 
be  settled  and  may  well  be  left  alone. 

To  go  back  many  years,  upon  the  arrival  of  the  first 
whites  in  what  is  now  East  Tennessee,  a  vast  portion 
of  Middle  Tennessee  was  unoccupied  by  Indians, 
though  hunting  parties  camped  here  or  passed  back 
and  forth  in  their  tribal  wars  beyond  the  borders.  It 
seems  to  have  been  agreed  among  the  red  men  that 
it  should  be  held  as  a  common  hunting  ground.  As  a 
result  it  was  a  wilderness  well  stocked  with  bulYaloes, 
bears,  deer,  and  other  wild  animals.  No  one  knows 
how  long  it  had  been  uninhabited ;  the  numerous  bury- 
ing grounds,  mounds,  and  traces  of  forts  prove  that 
some  race  in  the  past  had  lived  here.  They  had  proba- 
bly disappeared  before  stronger  hostile  tribes.  For 
want  of  a  better  name,  and  because  of  their  custom  of 
building  mounds  and  burying  their  dead  in  stone-walled 
graves,  that   vanished  tribe  were  called  the  Mound 

3 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Builders,  or  Stone  Grave  race.  Some  ethnologists 
believe  the  Natchez  Indians  were  a  branch  of  this  for- 
gotten race. 

The  mounds  and  other  remains  indicate  great  age 
and   a   civilization   more  advanced   than   that  of   the 
tribes  seen  when  the  American  explorers  came.    Judg- 
ing from  the  location  of  the  forts,  mounds,  and  ceme- 
teries, the  Mound  Builders  selected  the  most  fertile 
sections  for  habitation  and  near  streams.    These  land- 
marks are  numerous   in   Middle  Tennessee,   and  the 
Smith  Fork  Valley,  in  DeKalb  County,  once  echoed  to 
the  voices  of  the  lost  people.     In  the  graves  and  some 
of   the   mounds   have   been   discovered   pipes,   bowls, 
ornaments,   weapons,   and   toys.      In   one   place   four 
miles  south  of  Nashville  three  thousand  graves  were 
found  and  not  far  off  one  thousand  more.    From  these 
were  taken  nearly  seven  hundred  specimens  of  burned 
pottery — some  of  them  semiglazed — representing  ani- 
mals, birds,  fish,  and  the  human  figure.     On  the  farm 
once  owned  by  C.  W.  L.  Hale,  north  of  Liberty,  is  a 
very  large  Indian  mound,  which  had  perhaps  been  used 
for  religious  or  observation  purposes.     Many  graves 
adjacent  have  been  plowed   into.     Graves  have  also 
been   found  on   T.   G.    Bratten's   farm,   just   west  of 
Liberty,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  buffalo  trail  on  which  a 
battle    was    fought    between    Indians    and    whites    in 
1789.     Mr.  Leander  Hayes,  who  had  lived  from  boy- 
hood four  miles  southwest  of  Liberty  on  Smith  Fork, 
gave  the  writer  in  1894  this  description  of  the  Mound 
P)uilders'  graves  on  his  farm :  "A  great  number  were 
rock-lined,  square,  and  contained  skeletons  in  a  sitting 

4 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

posture.  At  our  old  home,  which  I  own  now,  there 
are  two  of  these  graves  which  have  not  been  molested 
since  their  discovery — one  near  the  front  gate  and  the 
other  in  the  garden  under  an  old  apple  tree." 

The  Cherokee  and  Chickasaw  Indians  lived  in  Ten- 
nessee when  the  first  settlements  were  made — not  in 
the  "hunting  grounds"  proper,  however.  The  former 
lived  mainly  along  the  mountains  of  the  eastern  bor- 
der;  while  a  portion,  the  banditti  known  as  the  Chicka- 
maugas,  had  their  villages  near  the  present  Chatta- 
nooga. The  Chickasaws,  who  became  friends  of  the 
whites  after  attacking  the  settlers  on  Cumberland 
River  in  1781,  claimed  all  West  Tennessee.  The  bit- 
terest enemies  of  the  settlers  were  the  Cherokees,  as- 
sisted by  the  Creeks,  who  lived  south  of  Tennessee. 

When  Adam  Dale,  James  Alexander,  Jesse  Allen, 
and  other  pioneers  came  to  what  is  now  DeKalb 
County,  the  spirit  of  the  Indians  had  been  broken  by 
the  Nickajack  expedition  southward  from  Nashville 
in  September,  1794;  but  there  were  still  hostile  tribes 
in  the  State.  Adam  Dale  arrived  on  the  site  of  Liberty 
in  1797,  just  three  years  after  the  Nickajack  expedi- 
tion. Until  1805  a  part  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains 
was  an  Indian  reserve  known  as  the  Wilderness.  As 
late  as  1791  Nettle  Carrier,  an  Indian  chief,  lived 
there  with  his  tribesmen.  xA-bout  1800  a  band  of  Cher- 
okees, under  the  lead  of  Chief  Calf  Killer,  had  their 
homes  in  the  present  White  County.  These  were 
called  "friendly,"  but  the  savages  were  easily  stirred 
to  deeds  of  violence  and  readily  took  the  warpath. 
Then,  even  after  the  Nickajack  expedition,  the  In- 

5 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

dians  committed  depredations.  At  noon  November 
II,  1794,  an  attack  was  made  on  Valentine  Sevier's 
fort,  near  the  present  site  of  Clarksville,  forty  red- 
skins being  in  the  raid.  Several  whites  were  killed  and 
scalped.  With  this  state  of  affairs  before  us,  shall  we 
imagine  that  the  Indians  did  not  camp  in  or  pass 
through  some  portion  of  DeKalb  County  after  the 
first  few  settlers  arrived? 

For  many  years  after  Tennessee  became  a  State 
roving  families  of  vagabond  Indians  journeyed  over 
the  trails  and  highways.  Subsequent  to  the  War  be- 
tween the  States  the  writer  saw  them  go  through 
Liberty.  They  were  friendly  and  made  a  few  cents 
target-shooting  with  bows.  It  was  supposed  that  they 
came  over  the  mountains  from  their  old  East  Tennes- 
see haunts.  Prior  to  1840  the  Chickasaws,  Cherokees, 
and  Creeks  relinquished  all  claims  and  were  removed 
across  the  Mississippi  River. 

History  records  one  Indian  battle  on  DeKalb  County 
soil.  This  was  on  the  buffalo  trail  down  Smith's 
Fork  and  up  Clear  Fork.  Hon.  Horace  A.  Overall 
assured  the  writer  that,  according  to  tradition,  the  bat- 
tle field  was  near  where  the  Bratten  lane  turns  south  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  west  of  Liberty.  John  Carr,  a  pio- 
neer of  Sumner  County,  says  of  the  fight  in  his  book, 
"Early    Times    in    Middle    Tennessee,"    published    in 

1857: 

In  1789  General  Winchester  went  out  with  a  scouting 
party;  and  on  Smith's  Fork,  a  large  tributary  of  the  Caney 
Fork  (I  believe  now  in  DeKalb  Couny),  he  came  upon  a 
fresh  trail  of  Indians.     He  pursued  them  down  the  creek  on 

6 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

the  buffalo  path,  and  no  doubt  the  Indians  were  apprised  they 
were  after  them  and  accordingly  selected  their  ground  for 
battle.  The  path  led  through  an  open  forest  to  the  crossing 
of  the  creek,  and  immediately  a  heavy  canebrake  set  in.  The 
General's  spies  were  a  little  in  front.  They  were  Maj.  Joseph 
Muckelrath  and  Capt.  John  Hickerson,  a  couple  of  brave  men. 

Just  after  they  entered  the  green  cane  a  short  distance  the 
Indians,  lying  in  ambush,  fired  upon  them.  They  killed  Hick- 
erson at  once,  but  missed  Muckelrath.  Winchester  was  close 
behind,  rushing  up.  The  action  commenced,  lasting  some 
time.  Frank  Heany  was  wounded ;  and  the  Indians  having 
greatly  the  advantage,  General  Winchester  thought  it  proper 
to  retreat,  thinking  to  draw  them  out  of  the  green  cane.  In 
this  attempt  he  did  not  succeed. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  Capt.  James  McKain,  now 
[1857]  eight3'-five  or  eighty-six  years  old,  killed  a  celebrated 
warrior  and,  I  believe,  chief  called  the  Moon.  He  was  a 
harelipped  man.  and  it  was  said  that  there  was  but  one  hare- 
lipped  Indian  in  the  nation.  No  doubt  the  same  Indian  shot 
down  and  scalped  Capt.  Charles  Morgan  a  year  or  two  be- 
fore (at  Bledsoe's  Lick). 

One  of  my  brothers  was  in  this  expedition.  The  Indians 
gave  an  account  of  the  battle  afterwards  and  said  it  was  a 
drawn  fight,  that  they  had  a  man  killed  and  that  they  had 
killed  one  of  our  men. 

Carr  says  two  of  the  whites  were  John  and  Martin 
Harpool,  Dutchmen.  Martin  was  foolhardy,  and  his 
brother  suggested  to  him,  after  Winchester  withdrew, 
to  rush  into  the  canebrake  and  drive  the  Indians  out 
while  he  killed  one.  With  a  great  whoop  Martin  en- 
tered the  cane,  making  it  crackle  at  a  terrible  rate,  and 
the  Indians  fled. 

On  the  first  settlement  of  the  county  there  may  have 
been  far  inland  a  few  bears  and  buffaloes  left.  We 
have  no  records.    Just  twenty  years  previously  Tennes- 

7 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

see  was  overrun  with  them.  About  1781  twenty  hunt- 
ers went  from  Nashborough  Fort  up  Cumberland  River 
as  far  as  the  present  Flynn's  Lick  and  soon  returned 
with  one  hundred  and  five  bears,  more  than  eighty  deer, 
and  seventy-five  buflf aloes.  The  late  Elbert  Robinson, 
of  Temperance  Hall,  once  said  that  when  his  grand- 
father came  to  that  settlement  bears  were  frequently 
seen.  Dr.  Foster  says  that  when  he  was  an  infant  (he 
was  born  in  1839)  his  parents  removed  to  Dry  Creek, 
but  they  were  so  disturbed  by  wolves  howling  at  night 
that  they  moved  back  to  Liberty  within  three  days. 
John  K.  Bain  writes  that  when  he  was  a  lad,  about 
1835,  he  ran  three  deer  out  of  his  father's  cornfield  in 
one  day.  That  was  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  county. 
He  adds :  "My  uncle,  Archibald  Bain,  killed  a  bear  be- 
fore I  remember.  Squirrels  were  so  numerous  as  to 
destroy  cornfields  thirty  feet  from  the  fence.  I  killed 
forty  in  one  day,  and  one  fall  (T  kept  tab)  the  num- 
ber I  killed  was  over  three  hundred."  Doubtless  game 
was  sufficiently  abundant  to  make  hunting  and  the 
chase  worth  while  to  the  first  comers. 

8 


CHAPTER  11. 
DeKalb  County  Established — Officials. 

In  1837  Hon.  H.  L.  W.  Hill,  of  Warren  County, 
introduced  in  the  Tennessee  House  of  Representatives 
a  bill  to  form  a  new  county  out  of  parts  of  Warren, 
Cannon,  Jackson,  and  White  Counties,  to  be  named 
for  Baron  DeKalb,  a  Bavarian,  who  fought  for  Ameri- 
can independence  during  the  Revolution.  The  bill 
was  amended  in  the  Senate,  then  passed,  specifying  the 
following  boundaries  :  Beginning  at  the  corner  between 
Smith  and  Cannon  Counties  on  the  Wilson  County  line 
near  Alexandria  and  running  thence  south  twenty- 
three  degrees  east  with  the  old  line  between  Wilson 
and  Smith  Counties  eight  miles  to  a  point  on  said  line ; 
thence  south  forty-eight  degrees,  east  eleven  and  three- 
quarter  miles  to  the  Warren  County  line  at  John 
Martin's ;  thence  north  eighty-three  degrees,  east  seven 
miles  to  a  point  twelve  miles  north  from  McMinnville  ; 
thence  south  eighty  degrees,  four  and  three-quarter 
miles  to  Caney  Fork  River  at  the  mouth  of  Barren 
Creek;  thence  down  said  river  with  its  meanders  to 
an  oak  on  the  road  from  Sparta  to  Dibrell's  Ferry, 
four  miles  from  said  ferry;  thence  north  thirty-seven 
and  a  half  degrees,  east  nine  and  three-quarter  miles 
to  a  point  on  the  stage  road  from  Sparta  to  Carthage ; 
thence  north  two  miles  to  a  corner  between  White  and 
Jackson  Counties  on  Cane  Creek;  thence  south 
seventy-five  degrees,  west  sixteen  and  a  half  miles  so 
as  to  strike  the  northwest  corner  of  Cannon  County, 

9 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

on  the  Caney  Fork  River;  and  thence  with  the  Hne 
run  by  Thomas  Durham  between  Smith  and  Cannon 
Counties  to  the  beginning. 

From  time  to  time  the  Hne  has  been  changed,  shght- 
ly,  however,  in  most  instances.  On  January  2,  1844, 
for  instance,  the  Alfred  Hancock  property  was  taken 
from  DeKalb  and  added  to  Cannon  County.  The 
Hancocks  came  from  Virginia  about  the  time  the  Over- 
alls, Turneys,  and  others  arrived,  and  have  been  among 
the  foremost  citizens  of  their  section  for  more  than  a 
hundred  years.*  On  February  i,  1850,  the  legislature 
so  altered  the  line  between  Smith  and  DeKalb  as  to  in- 
clude the  residences  and  farms  of  Nicholas  Smith. 
Andrew  Vantrease,  John  Robinson,  and  others  in  the 
latter  county,  as  well  as  the  farm  and  residence  of  John 
F.  Goodner,  near  Alexandria. 

On  Monday,  March  5,  1838,  the  following  citizens, 
holding  certificates  as  magistrates  of  the  county,  met 
at  Bernard  Richardson's,  on  Fall  Creek,  and  organ- 
ized the  county  court  by  electing  Lemuel  Moore  chair- 
man :  Lemuel  Moore,  James  Goodner,  Jonathan  C. 
Doss,  Reuben  Evans,  Joseph  Turney,  Watson  Cantrell. 
Thomas  Simpson,  John  Martin,  Watson  Cantrell, 
David  Fisher,  William  Scott,  Samuel  Strong,  Henry 
Burton,  Martin  Phillips,  John  Frazier,  Joel  Cheatham. 
Jonathan  Fuston,  Peter  Reynolds,  and  James  Beaty. 

The  various  county  officers  elect  exhibited  their  cer- 

*It  is  told  of  Alfred  Hancock's  kindness  to  the  poor  that 
in  times  of  drought  he  refused  to  sell  his  corn  to  those  who 
could  pay  cash,  but  sold  it  on  time  to  the  needy  at  much  less 
than  he  could  get  from  the  well-to-do. 

10 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

tificates  of  election,  qualified,  entered  upon  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duties,  and  the  county  was  organized. 

The  county  court  continued  to  meet  at  the  home  of 
Richardson  until  a  log  courthouse  could  be  completed. 
The  circuit  court  was  also  organized  at  Richardson's, 
the  first  term  beginning  on  the  second  Monday  in  Au- 
gust, 1838,  Judge  A.  J.  Marchbanks  presiding.  The 
chancery  court  was  organized  in  1844  by  Chancellor 
B.  L.  Ridley.  (See  the  chapter  headed  "The  County 
Seat.") 

The  county  is  bounded  north  by  Smith  and  Putnam 
Counties,  east  by  Putnam  and  White,  south  by  War- 
ren and  Cannon,  and  west  by  Cannon  and  Wilson. 
Its  population  in  1840  was  5,868,  ten  years  later  it  was 
8,016,  and  by  the  commencement  of  the  War  between 
the  States  it  was  10,573. 

About  two-thirds  of  the  county  lies  on  the  Highland 
Rim.  The  Highlands  occupy  the  eastern  and  north- 
ern parts.  The  western  part  lies  in  the  Central  Basin 
and  embraces  several  valleys  of  considerable  size  and 
great  agricultural  value,  separated  from  each  other  by 
irregular  ranges  of  hills,  while  there  are  some  peaks 
and  ridges  which  mount  up  to  a  level  with  the  High- 
lands. The  valley  of  Caney  Fork  is  long,  winding,  and 
irregular.  It  begins  below  the  falls  between  Warren 
and  White  Counties  near  the  southeast  corner  of  De- 
Kalb; runs  toward  the  northwest,  then  westerly,  till 
it  opens  out  in  the  Basin  in  the  northwestern  part  of 
DeKalb.  It  is  narrow  at  the  upper  end;  below  Sligo 
Ferry  it  has  an  average  width  of  half  a  mile.  It.s 
greatest  width  is  about  a  mile ;  its  length,  following  the 

II 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

general  direction,  about  thirty  miles.  The  valley  of 
Smith  Fork  extends  from  south  to  north  through  the 
western  part  of  the  county.  Its  length  is  about  fifteen 
miles  and  its  breadth  variable,  spreading  out  in  some 
places  for  a  space  of  two  or  three  miles,  while  in  others 
it  is  cut  in  two  by  projecting  spurs  on  each  side.  Each 
of  Smith  Fork's  tributaries  has  a  valley  of  its  own,  and 
these  small  valleys  contain  many  valuable  tracts  of 
level  land. 

The  best  lands  in  the  Highlands  are  found  on  the 
hillsides  and  along  streams.  In  these  situations  there 
are  numerous  excellent  farms.  The  timber  of  the  bar- 
rens includes  a  number  of  valuable  varieties,  such  as 
black  oak,  chestnut,  hickory,  post  oak,  and  white  oak. 
There  were  once  some  pine  groves  at  the  head  of  Pine 
Creek  and  between  Smithville  and  Sligo.  In  the  Cen- 
tral Basin  the  timber  was  once  dense  and  heavy,  owing 
to  the  disintegrated  limestone — beech,  sugar  maple, 
walnut,  oak,  poplar,  and  other  varieties. 

Orchards  are  not  so  numerous  in  the  valleys  as  they 
were  a  half  century  ago,  but  are  numerous  and  profit- 
able in  the  Mighlands.  Fires  ("log  heaps")  in  the 
orchards  for  protecting  fruit  against  late  spring  frosts 
were  used  by  some  of  the  pioneers. 

The  leading  crops  are  corn,  wheat,  rye,  and  oats, 
though  the  first  settlers  grew  flax,  cotton,  and  tobacco. 
Some  of  the  finest  mules  driven  South  before  an! 
after  the  War  between  the  vStates  were  raised  on  De- 
Kalb County  farms.  In  1840  Tennessee  was  the  great- 
est hog  and  corn  State  in  the  Union,  and  this  county 
produced  its  share.    Small  fortunes  have  been  made  in 

12 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


hog-trading.  Early  traders  were  Francis  Turner, 
William  B.  Stokes,  Matthew  Sellars,  Edward  Robin- 
son, Robin  Forrester,  William  G.  Stokes,  and  others. 
The  last  named,  a  son  of  Thomas  Stokes,  of  Temper- 
ance Hall,  disappeared  before  the  war  on  a  trip  South 
and  was  never  heard  of  again.  Buyers  after  the  war 
were  C.  W.  L.  Hale,  W.  G.  Evans,  Gips  West,  Fox 
Frazier,  and  others.  Hogs  handled  by  the  earlier 
dealers  were  from  two  to  three  years  old  when  fat- 
tened. They  were  driven  across  country  south,  mainly 
to  Georgia.  Ten  drivers  could  manage  one  thousand 
hogs,  and  one  route  was  through  Liberty,  up  Clear 
Fork,  by  McMinnville,  over  Walden's  Ridge,  across 
the  Tennessee  River,  and  on  to  Marietta,  Milledgeville, 
Macon,  and  various  Southern  towns.  Thirty-five  days 
were  allowed  to  go  from  Liberty  to  Georgia.  The 
animals  traveled  from  two  and  a  half  to  ten  miles  a 
day.  Dr.  Foster  imparts  the  interesting  fact  that  in 
the  "flatwoods"  years  ago  there  were  many  wild  or 
feral  hogs,  belonging  to  no  one  but  claimed  by  many. 
Descended  from  domesticated  stock,  "they  developed 
immense  tusks  and  long,  heavy  coats  of  hair." 

In  the  Basin,  where  there  were  once  large  maple 
groves,  maple  sirup  and  sugar  became  a  considerable 
industry  in  ante-bellum  times,  and  these  articles  could 
be  purchased  for  some  years  after  the  war.  To  hear 
the  old  slaves  tell  of  the  sugar  camps,  it  would  appear 
that  the  industry  was  pleasurable  as  well  as  a  source 
of  income. 

The  county  is  well  watered,  the  principal  streams, 
besides  Caney  Fork,  being  Smith  Fork,  Clear  Fork, 

13 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Sink  Creek,  Pine  Creek,  Fall  Creek,  Eagle  Creek, 
Hurricane  Creek,  Hannah's  Branch,  Holm's  Creek, 
Indian  Creek,  Mine  Lick,  Hickman  Creek,  Walker's 
Creek,  Helton,  Dismal,  Falling  Water,  the  Canal, 
Adamson's  Branch,  and  Dry  Creek.  Dry  Creek  sinks 
some  distance  east  of  Dowelltown,  then  emerges  at 
the  Big  Spring  in  that  hamlet  and  flows  into  Smith 
Fork. 

The  malignant  "milk  sickness"  breaks  out  occa- 
sionally, mainly  on  the  headwaters  of  Holm's  Creek 
and  probably  on  Hurricane,  though  it  is  unknown  after 
reaching  the  top  of  the  Highlands.  Cattle  and  a  few 
people  have  been  victims  of  the  poison. 

The  southeastern  part  of  the  county  is  a  great  poul- 
try section.  There  are  also  numerous  nurseries,  the 
income  from  which  amounts  to  many  thousands  of  dol- 
lars yearly.  On  the  east  side  of  Caney  Fork,  near  the 
White  County  line,  there  are  beds  of  iron  ore  extend- 
ing several  miles.  This  ore  also  exists  on  the  west  side 
of  the  river  and  was  once  worked  at  a  bloomery  on 
Pine  Creek  by  the  pioneer  Jesse  Allen.  State  Com- 
missioner Killebrew  wrote  in  1874  that  "the  county  is 
very  rich  in  iron." 

The  first  things  considered  by  the  early  settlers  were 
good  springs,  dwellings,  and  mills.  The  earliest  mill 
in  the  county  was  no  doubt  Adam  Dale's,  at  Liberty, 
erected  about  1800  and  jjatronized  by  the  Dale  and 
other  settlements.  Jesse  Allen  settled  on  Eagle  Creek 
in  1801  and  soon  built  a  small  mill,  in  connection  with 
which  were  a  cotton  gin  and  distillery.  Other  mills 
soon   followed — Fite's,  on   Smith  Fork,  just  west  of 

14 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Dowelltown,  a  part  of  its  dam  being  visible  still ;  Kite's 
(later  Crips's),  on  Dry  Creek,  the  water  furnishing  its 
power  coming  from  a  large  cave ;  Durham  and  Far- 
rington's,  on  Pine  Creek ;  Abraham  Overall's,  on  Clear 
Fork;  Hoover's,  on  Hickman  Creek;  Bate's,  on  Hel- 
ton ;  and  that  which  became  known  as  Nicholas 
Smith's,  on  lower  Smith  Fork.  In  later  years,  in  addi- 
tion to  those  mentioned  in  the  sketches  of  various 
towns,  the  following  citizens  have  erected  mills  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  county:  T.  H.  W.  Richardson, 
Washington  Reynolds,  James  Oakley,  W.  G.  Crowley, 
John  Bone,  and  James  Kelton. 

There  are  (1914)  in  DeKalb  County  3,235  homes. 
Of  this  number,  2,407  are  farm  homes,  1,511  being 
owned  by  their  occupants  and  free  of  mortgage  incum- 
brance. The  mortgaged  farm  homes  number  only 
seventy-seven,  while  renters  occupy  815  farm  homes. 
On  the  other  hand,  828  homes  are  urban,  the  number 
of  owners  of  town  homes  being  329.  Eleven  of  these 
homes  are  mortgaged,  and  300  are  free  of  incum- 
brance.   There  are  472  rented  urban  homes. 


With  the  county  organized,  many  of  its  citizens  dis- 
played an  anxiety  to  "save  the  country."  Politics  at 
length  became  strenuous  and  has  remained  so.  Prior 
to  the  War  between  the  States  a  majority  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  Basin — below  Snow's  Hill — were  Whigs, 
Know-Nothings,  and  Opposition ;  after  that  event  they 
were  called  Unionists,  Radicals,  or  Republicans.  Most 
of  the  voters  of  the  sixth,  seventh,  and  ninth  districts 
— above    Snow's    Hill — with    a   sprinkling   elsewhere, 

15 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

were  Democrats  before  the  war,  Confederates  during 
the  struggle,  and  Democrats  after  hostiUties  ceased. 

The  two  opposing  parties  down  to  1861  were  almost 
evenly  divided ;  then  came  many  unexpected  changes. 
To  give  one  illustration :  Abe  Lafever,  of  the  Mine 
Lick  section,  had  been  a  dyed-in-the-wool  Democrat; 
after  the  war  he  was  known  throughout  the  county 
as  a  rabid  Republican  and  a  leader  of  that  party 
locally.  Again,  certain  Unionists,  like  Joseph  Clarke, 
became  strong  Democratic  partisans. 

One  of  the  old-timers  says  of  the  partisan  zeal  of 
the  days  of  the  Whig  party :  "It  was  not  an  uncommon 
thing  to  witness  a  Whig  speaker,  say  for  Representa- 
tive, draw  a  coon's  tail  from  his  pocket  and  wave  this 
emblem  of  Whiggery.  When  Clay  and  Polk  were 
candidates  for  the  presidency,  Polk  adherents  would 
drive  into  Liberty  with  their  oxen's  horns  ringed  with 
poke  juice,  while  their  cart  beds  were  striped  with  it. 
Directly  another  cart,  driven  by  a  Clay  supporter, 
would  enter  the  village  having  a  mammoth  clay  ball 
in  each  comer  of  the  cart  bed  and  the  horns  of  the 
steers  smeared  with  clay.  When  Dr.  J.  A.  Fuson  was 
elected  to  the  legislature  in  1845,  the  Fuson  supporters 
to  a  man  wore  red  ribbon  on  their  hats  on  which  was 
printed  Fuson."  This  illustrative  anecdote  also  sur- 
vives: Moses  Spencer  ("Blackhorse"),  who  was  in 
the  battle  of  New  Orleans  and  a  Whig  in  politics,  was 
once  solicited  to  vote  the  Democratic  ticket,  the  solici- 
tor kindly  presenting  him  with  a  bag  of  cured  hog 
jowls.  Carrying  to  his  home  in  Liberty  this  necessary 
ingredient  of  the  famous  dish  of  greens,  Mose  threw  it 

16 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

down  on  the  floor  and  observed  to  his  wife :  "Barbara, 
Colonel  Tubb  has  asked  me  to  vote  for  a  Democrat 
the  coming  election.  Barbara,  now  you  hear  this 
Blackhorse  that  fit  an'  bled  under  Andy  Jackson :  I'm 
a  Whig  an'  have  always  been  one,  an'  I  would  not  vote 
for  a  Democrat  for  even  a  bag  o'  middlins." 

The  greatest  orators  of  the  State  were  developed  in 
the  days  of  the  Whigs  and  Democrats.  Some  of  the 
forensic  giants  had  appointments  in  the  county.  Prob- 
ably the  most  noted  discussion  of  political  issues  took 
place  in  1855  between  Andrew  Johnson,  Democrat, 
and  Meredith  P.  Gentry,  Whig,  with  Know-Nothing 
leanings,  for  the  governorship.  It  came  off  on  the 
Fulton  Academy  grounds  at  Smithville,  and  the  crowd 
was  very  large. 

The  Know-Nothing  party  was  a  secret  organization 
and  was  aggressively  opposed  to  the  Catholic  Church. 
There  were  both  Whigs  and  Democrats  in  the  new 
party,  and  it  was  thought  that  it  would  poll  one  hun- 
dred thousand  votes  in  the  State  at  the  end  of  the 
1855  campaign. 

Johnson  was  not  "flowery,"  but  was  a  most  effective 
speaker.  Gentry,  nominated  by  the  remnant  of  Whigs 
and  the  Know-Nothings,  was  one  of  the  best  orators  in 
Tennessee.  In  his  excoriation  of  the  Know-Nothings 
Johnson  was  extremely  bitter,  arraigning  them  for 
their  signs,  grips,  and  secret  conclaves,  and  declaring 
that  they  were  no  better  than  John  A.  Murrel's  clan  of 
outlaws.  "Show  me  a  Know-Nothing,"  he  stormed, 
"and  I  will  show  you  a  monster  upon  whose  neck  the 
foot  of  every  honest  man  should  tread!"  Gentry  was 
2  17 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

"hacked."  In  a  lofty  manner  he  defended  the  party 
which  nominated  him,  but  his  party  was  not  satisfied 
with  his  reply.  Many  Democrats  forsook  his  cause, 
and  Johnson  was  elected. 

Neil  S.,  Aaron  V.,  and  John  C.  Brown  all  spoke  at 
various  times  in  the  county;  also  Isham  G.  Harris, 
William  B.  Campbell,  D.  W.  C.  Senter,  William  B. 
Stokes,  James  D.  Porter,  Horace  Maynard,  B.  F. 
Cheatham,  R.  L.  Taylor,  A.  A.  Taylor,  G.  G.  Dibrell, 
E.  W.  Carmack,  John  H.  Savage,  and  even  Squire 
Yardley,  the  Knoxville  negro  who  canvassed  the  State 
for  the  governorship. 

The  citizens  for  many  years  were  politically  swayed 
by  oratory,  and  those  of  DeKalb  had  an  opportunity 
to  hear  other  forensic  giants  besides  the  men  named. 
A  campaign  almost  as  exciting  as  that  in  which  John- 
son destroyed  Know-Nothingism  came  off  when  the 
question  of  secession  was  discussed  pro  and  con  by 
John  Smith  Brien,  William  B.  Campbell,  and  others ; 
also  that  after  peace  was  made  in  which  Stokes  and 
Senter  stumped  the  State.  Of  the  last-named  canvass, 
something  will  be  said  farther  along. 

A  digression  is  made  to  present  as  full  a  list  as  can 
now  be  made  of  the  county  officers  from  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  county  to  1914: 

County  court  clerks:  P.  M.  Wade.  William  Law- 
rence, Wash  Isbell,  M.  T.  Martin,  G.  W.  Eastham, 
P.  G,  Magness,  E.  J.  Evans,  Z.  P.  Lee,  H.  K.  Allen, 
J.  E.  Conger,  W.  B.  Foster,  John  E.  Conger. 

Circuit  court  clerks:  David  Fite,  W.  J.  Givan,  J. 
B.  Gibbs,  T.  T.  Hollis,  W.  T.  Hoskins,  T.  M.  Christian, 

18 


COURTHOUSE.  SMITHVILLE 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


T.  W.   Shields,  James   Fuson,  Felix  Helium,  J.   M. 
Young,  Jack  S.  Allen. 

Clerks  and  masters:  Thomas  Whaley,  Wash  Isbell, 
J.  T.  Hallum,  John  P.  Robertson,  W.  W.  Wade,  M. 

A.  Crowley,  J.  B.  Moore,  Sam  Foster. 

Sheriffs:  P.  M.  Thomason,  James  McGuire,  E.  W. 
Taylor,  J.  L.  Dearman,  J.  Y.  Stewart,  John  Hallum, 
W.  L.  Hathaway,  Charles  Hill,  Henry  Blackburn,  M. 
F.  Doss,  C.  S.  Frazier,  B.  M.  Alerritt,  H.  S.  Gill,  S. 
P.  Gill,  W.  H.  C.  Lassiter,  Silas  Anderson,  Ben  Mer- 
ritt,  Louis  Merritt,  John  Odum,  B.  B.  Taylor,  Everett 
Love,  George  Puckett,  A.  Frazier. 

Registers:  Daniel  Coggin,  Wash  Isbell,  David  Fite, 
J.  Y.  Haynes,  John  K.  Bain,  W.  H.  McNamer,  Jud- 
son  Dale,  J.  C.  Kennedy,  J.  B.  Atwell,  John  Harrison, 

B.  M.  Cantrell,  E.  W.  Taylor,  John  G.  Evans,  Dabner 
Lockhart,  Dave  Worley,  E.  G.  Pedigo,  W.  H.  Hays. 

County  trustees:  Rev.  Joseph  Banks,  Aaron  Botts, 
W.  A.  Nesmith  (1861-62),  Bluford  Foster,  Eli  Vick, 
Brackett  Estes,  Sr.,  W.  P.  Smith,  James  Fite,  James 
Fuson,  H.  C.  Eastham,  W.  G.  Evans,  Pope  Potter, 
Lee  Overall,  J.  W.  Reynolds,  J.  A.  Newby,  W.  N. 
Adcock,  William  Taylor,  J.  A.  Phillips,  Thomas  Crips, 
Matt  Bratten. 

The  county  had  no  Representatives  until  1843,  while 
a  part  of  the  time  it  was  in  a  floterial  district  with  the 
Representative  from  some  other  county.  These  De- 
Kalb Countians  have  filled  the  office:  Twenty-Fifth 
General  Assembly,  1843,  Daniel  Coggin;  Twenty- 
Sixth,   1845,  John  A.  Fuson ;  Twenty- Seventh,   1847, 

19 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

John  A.  Fuson;  Twenty-Eighth,  1849,  W.  B.  Stokes; 
Twenty-Ninth,  1851,  W.  B.  Stokes;  Thirtieth,  1853 
(first  session  held  in  the  new  State  Capitol),  Horace 
A.  Overall ;  Thirty-First,  1855,  M.  M.  Brien ;  Thirty- 
Second,  1857,  A.  M.  Savage;  Thirty-Third,  first  ses- 
sion 1859,  second  1861,  third  April,  1861,  J.  J.  Ford; 
Thirty-Fourth,  first  session  1861,  second  1862,  ad- 
journed to  Memphis,  no  Representative;  Brownlow's 
Legislature  of  1865-66,  session  held  in  April,  1865, 
John  A.  Fuson  ;  Thirty-Fifth,  1867,  W.  S.  Robertson ; 
Thirty-Sixth,  1869,  W.  A.  Dunlap ;  Thirty-Seventh, 
first  session  October,  1871,  second  March,  1872,  James 
P.  Doss;  Thirty-Eighth,  1873,  none;  Thirty-Ninth, 
1875,  none;  Fortieth,  first  session  January  i,  1877, 
extra  December,  1877,  none;  Forty-First,  first  session 
January,  1879,  second  December,  1879,  none;  Forty- 
Second,  first  session  January,  1881,  extra  December, 
1881,  second  extra  1882,  none;  Forty-Third,  1883, 
Horace  A.  Overall ;  Forty-Fourth,  first  session  Jan- 
uary, 1885.  extra  May,  1885,  J.  M.  Allen;  Forty-Fifth. 
1887,  J.  M.  Allen;  Forty-Sixth,  1889,  extra  session 
1890,  M.  L.  Bonham;  Forty-Seventh,  1891,  J.  H.  S. 
Knowles;  Forty-Eighth,  1893,  Henry  C.  Givan ; 
Forty-Ninth,  1895,  Samuel  Wauford ;  Fiftieth,  1897, 
A.  T.  Phillips;  Fifty-First.  1899.  W.  T.  Dozicr;  Fifty- 
Second,  1901,  P.  C.  Crowley;  Fifty-Third,  1903,  L. 
Driver;  Fifty-Fourth,  1905,  L.  Driver;  Fifty-Fifth, 
1907,  J.  H.  S.  Knowles;  Fifty-Sixth,  1909,  J.  E.  Con- 
ger;   Fifty-Seventh,    191 1,    A.    N.    Cathcart;    Fifty- 

20 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Eighth,  1913,  extra  session,  Norman  Robinson;  Fifty- 
Ninth,  191 5,  Horace  M.  Evans.* 

The  following  DeKalb  Countians  were  members  of 
the  State  Senate:  Caleb  B.  Davis,  1851 ;  W.  B.  Stokes, 
1855;  J.  S.  Goodner,  1857;  Wingate  T.  Robinson, 
1865;  John  A.  Fuson,  1867;  Joseph  Clarke,  1872;  M. 
D.  Smallman,  1881 ;  M.  D.  Smallman,  1883;  B.  G. 
Adcock,  1893 ;  P.  C.  Crowley,  1903. 

It  is  noted  that  Hon.  Horace  A.  Overall  represented 
the  county  when  the  General  Assembly  met  first  in  the 
State  Capitol,  newly  erected,  October  3,  1853.  The 
fact  suggests  that  the  first  legislature  of  the  State  met 
in  Knoxville,  which  was  for  a  while  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment, in  1796.  In  1807  the  legislature  met  at  King- 
ston, but  in  a  few  hours  adjourned  to  Knoxville. 
Nashville  was  the  place  of  meeting  in  1812,  1813,  and 
1815,  then  Knoxville  again  in  1817.  In  1819  it  m.et 
at  Murfreesboro  and  continued  to  meet  there  until 
1825.  The  sext  session  (1826)  was  held  in  Nashville, 
as  have  been  all  succeeding  sessions. 

*Mr.  James  Dearman  writes :  "I  understand  that  James 
McGuire  represented  the  county  sometime  in  the  forties." 
The  name  is  not  found  in  the  records,  however. 

21 


CHAPTER  III. 
The  Oldest  Village. 

On  his  arrival  at  the  site  of  Liberty  from  Mary- 
land in  1797  Adam  Dale,  who  came  by  way  of  East 
Tennessee  and  over  Cumberland  Mountains,  Mr.  Riley 
Dale  says,  must  have  been  impressed  with  the  coun- 
try, for  he  sent  back  in  some  way  a  report  to  his 
friends  which  induced  the  coming  of  a  colony  con- 
sisting of  William  and  John  Dale,  Thomas  West,  Wil- 
liam and  George  Givan,  Thomas  Whaley,  Josiah  and 
T.  W.  Duncan,  James  and  William  Bratten,  Henry 
Burton,  the  Fites,  Truits,  Bethels,  and  many  others, 
some  of  whom  were  young  married  couples. 

It  is  not  certainly  known  that  he  had  a  companion 
during  the  something  like  three  years  before  the  ar- 
rival of  the  immigrants.  If  he  was  alone,  life  must 
have  been  lonely  at  times.  The  descendants  of 
all  the  pioneers  who  have  talked  on  the  subject,  re- 
peating the  stories  handed  down,  join  in  saying  there 
was  no  wagon  road  through  from  Nashville  after  the 
first  few  miles.  One,  perhaps  W.  G.  Bratten,  told  the 
agent  for  Goodspeed's  history  of  the  State  that  the 
colony  "came  down  the  Ohio  River,  up  the  Cumber- 
land to  Nashville,  and  from  that  point  made  their  way 
overland  to  the  Dale  settlement  in  wagons."  Another, 
perhaps  a  descendant  of  Rev.  John  Kite,  stated  to  Rev. 
J.  H.  Grime,  author  of  "A  History  of  Middle  Tennes- 
see Baptists":  "When  he  [Fite]  landed  here  in  the 
very  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century,  he  found 

22 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

this  country  still  a  wilderness.  .  .  ,  He  helped  to 
cut  away  the  cane  and  underbrush  to  construct  the 
first  road  to  Liberty,  the  work  consuming  a  period  of 
nineteen  days  for  a  number  of  hands."  We  may  as- 
sume that  there  were  roads  a  short  distance  eastward 
from  Nashville,  but  it  may  be  taken  as  true  that  a 
part  of  the  fifty-six  miles  to  Liberty  was  almost  pri- 
meval forest.  Doubtless  game  and  fish  abounded,  and 
these  occupied  Dale's  mind  by  day;  but  the  snarl  of 
the  bobcat  or  other  noises  of  the  night,  together  with 
the  solemnity  of  the  great  woods,  were  necessarily 
spirit-depressing,  even  if  he  had  no  fears  of  Indians. 

We  are  told  that  he  passed  his  first  months  in  a 
rude  shack  built  on  the  bluff  overlooking  the  creek  on 
the  north  side  of  town,  about  where  the  Whaley  lime 
kiln  was  for  a  number  of  years.  After  his  friends 
came  he  erected  a  small  dwelling  on  the  west  side  of 
the  turnpike  beyond  the  bridge  going  north.  This 
writer  saw  the  building  carried  off  by  the  flood  near 
the  beginning  of  the  War  between  the  States,  at  which 
time  the  small  mill  Dale  erected,  but  at  the  time  be- 
longing to  Daniel  Smith  or  the  Lambersons,  w^as 
wrecked. 

Mrs.  Jean  Robertson  Anderson,  wife  of  Gen. 
Kellar  Anderson,  of  Memphis,  is  a  great-grand- 
daughter of  Adam  Dale.  Her  mother  was  Mrs.  James 
(Anne  Lewis  Dale)  Robertson,  the  third  daughter  of 
Edward  W.  Dale,  who  was  the  oldest  son  of  Adam 
Dale  and  the  only  one  to  leave  issue.  From  a  letter 
of  Mrs.  Anderson  dated  November  4,  1914,  these 
facts  are  gleaned :  Adam  Dale  was  born  in  Worcester 

23 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

County,  Md.,  July  14,  1768.  He  was  a  boy  volunteer 
of  the  Revolution.  In  1781  this  company  of  boys 
from  fourteen  to  sixteen  years  was  raised  in  Snow 
Hill,  Md.,  to  oppose  the  progress  of  Cornwallis 
through  Virginia.  Receiving  land  grants  with  his 
father,  Thomas  Dale,  for  service,  he  settled  in  Liberty, 
Tenn.,  in  1797,  after  having  married  Mary  Hall  Feb- 
ruary 24,  1790.  He  raised,  equipped,  and  commanded 
a  company  of  volunteers  from  Smith  (DeKalb) 
County  and  fought  under  Jackson  at  Horseshoe  Bend 
and  other  battles  of  the  War  of  1812.  Removing  to 
Columbia,  Tenn.,  in  1829,  he  died  at  Hazel  Green, 
Ala.,  October  14,  185 1,  and  was  buried  there.  His 
wife  died  in  1859  in  Columbia.  To  this  couple  were 
born  ten  children. 

]\Irs.  Anderson  says  further: 

When  the  surviving  children  of  Adam  Dale  had  his  body 
removed  from  Alabama  to  Columbia  after  his  wife's  death, 
his  body  was  found  to  be  absolutely  perfect — petrified.  The 
picture  is  from  an  old  daguerreotype  made  shortly  before  his 
death.  I  have  several  letters  from  him  to  his  grandchildren. 
One  minutely  describes  the  battle  of  Horseshoe  Bend.  An- 
other tells  of  his  English  ancestry  and  their  coming  to  Amer- 
ica. I  also  have  the  newspaper  clipping  of  the  eulogy  on 
his  career  as  soldier,  patriot,  citizen,  and  friend  published  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  Among  his  descendants  are  Mrs.  \V.  D. 
Bethell,  Denver,  Colo.;  Mrs.  John  M.  Gray,  Nashville,  Tenn.; 
Mrs.  Thomas  Day,  Memphis,  Tenn. ;  Mrs.  E.  M.  Apperson, 
Memphis,  Tenn.;  Mrs.  J.  S.  Van  Slyke,  Dallas,  Tex.;  Mrs. 
Joseph  Houston,  Denver,  Colo.;  and  Mrs.  W.  R.  HoUiday, 
Memphis,  Tenn. 

Adam  and  William  Dale  were  probably  sons  of 
TJiomas  Dale,  who  came  to  Liberty  with  the  Mary- 

24 


ADAM    DALE 

DEKALB   COUNTY'S    FIRST   KNOWN   SETTLER 

FROM    AN   OLD    DAGUERREOTYPE    LOANED    BY 
MRS.    KELLAR    ANDERSON.    MEMPHIS 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

landers.  Josiah  Duncan  married  a  daughter  of 
Thomas ;  while  another,  Sophia,  was  the  wife  of  Wil- 
liam Givan.  There  are  many  descendants  of  these 
Dales  in  Tennessee  and  other  States.  Among  them 
is  Mrs.  H.  P.  Figuers,  of  Columbia,  whose  father,  W. 
J.  Dale,  was  born  in  Smith  (DeKalb)  County  in  1811 
and  removed  to  Maury  County  in  1822,  Another  is 
Mrs.  Bertha  L.  Chapman,  of  Alexandria.  She  has  a 
Bible  containing  these  entries : 

Sophia  E.  Dale  was  married  to  William  Givan  June  26, 
1802.  They  had  children:  Nancy,  born  January  11,  1804; 
George,  born  September  21,  1806;  Elizabeth,  born  May  i, 
1810;  Sarah,  born  April  11,  1812;  Thomas,  born  March  20, 
1814;  Mary  Ann,  born  June  23,  1816;  Robert  Johnson,  born 
August  9,  1818;  and  Martha  Laws  Dale,  born  November  5, 
1820.  Martha  Laws  Dale  Givan  was  married  to  James  D. 
Grandstaff  September  19,  1839.  Mrs.  Grandstaff  lived  in 
widowhood  from  1844  to  1893. 

Riley  Dale  has  in  his  possession  a  letter  from  his 
grandfather,  Rev.  William  Dale,  dated  February  28, 
1844,  containing  this  genealogical  note: 

I  was  born  on  the  Lord's  day,  the  4th  of  May,  1783.  My 
place  of  nativity  was  "Worcester  County,  Md.  My  father's 
name  was  Thomas  Dale,  of  John  Dale,  of  James  Dale,  both 
of  Londonderry,  Ireland.  My  mother's  name  was  Elizabeth 
Evans,  of  John  Evans,  of  William  Evans,  from  Wales. 

Thomas  Dale,  who  was  a  Revolutionary  soldier,  en- 
listing in  Gen.  Charles  Smallwood's  command,  soon 
became  captain  of  a  company  of  the  Maryland  line. 
He  owned  a  great  deal  of  land  around  Liberty,  in 
which  village  he  erected  a  house.  This  was  on  the 
lot  on  which  Will  A.  Vick  more  recently  built.     His 

25 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

son-in-law,  Josiah  Duncan,  was  settled  on  the  land 
last  owned  by  the  W.  G.  Bratten  heirs.  Erecting  a 
house  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  George  Givan,  a  mile 
south  of  Liberty,  he  died  before  moving  to  it.  His 
widow,  with  his  son-in-law,  William  Givan,  removed 
to  the  farm,  and  it  is  in  the  possession  of  the  Givan 
family  in  1914.  In  the  family  graveyard  in  the  rear 
is  a  limestone  slab  with  this  legend:  "In  memory  of 
Thomas  Dale,  born  March  5,  1744;  died  January  6, 
1812." 

The  colony  set  about  preparing  homes  and  the  com- 
munity soon  took  on  a  more  encouraging  aspect.  The 
mill  was  erected  on  Smith  Fork  Creek  north  of 
Liberty,  and  the  place  became  widely  known  as  the 
Dale  Mill  Settlement.  As  the  little  cluster  of  houses 
grew  larger,  the  name  of  Liberty  was  given  it  by  its 
founder.  It  is  possible  that  the  mountain  between 
Liberty  and  Smithville  was  named  Snow's  Hill  by  him 
in  memory  of  the  place  where  he  enlisted  for  American 
independence.  There  is  not  a  Dale  in  what  was  once 
called  the  Dale  Mill  Settlement.  A  grandson  of  Rev. 
William  Dale,  Riley,  resides  on  his  farm,  several  miles 
from  Liberty,  aged  seventy-two. 

There  is  a  diversity  of  opinion  as  to  who  was  the 
first  merchant.  Goodspeed  says  he  was  a  Mr.  Walk ; 
James  Givan  thinks  his  name  was  Vaught.  George 
Givan,  on  Clear  Fork,  it  is  interesting  to  state,  now 
owns  a  well-preserved  wash  kettle  purchased  from  the 
first  merchant  about  a  century  ago. 

The  earliest  dwellings  were  supposedly  built  by 
William  Givan,  Josey  Evans,  and  FTenry  Burton,  who 

26 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


came  with  the  Maryland  settlers.  All  three  were  car- 
penters. Other  pioneer  merchants  were  Fite  &  Dun- 
can, Ben  Blades,  Joshua  Bratten,  and  Moore  &  Price. 

From  Dr.  Wright's  daybook  it  is  seen  that  the  fol- 
lowing firms  were  in  existence  as  early  as  1832-33: 
Fite,  Whaley  &  Co.,  Ray  &  Reed,  woodworkmen  and 
smiths,  Davis  &  Wood,  Derickson  &  Braswell,  sad- 
dlers, York  &  Bailey,  and  Whaley  &  Son. 

Some  years  prior  to  the  War  between  the  States  the 
following  were  in  various  businesses :  Eli  Vick,  Wil- 
liam Vick,  Hale  &  Hays,  merchants;  W.  G.  Foster, 
Frank  Foster,  William  Whaley,  and  William  Ford. 
Among  the  merchants  after  the  war  were  Eli  Vick, 
William  Whaley,  C.  W.  L.  Hale,  William  Vick,  J.  H. 
Overall,  Overall  &  Hollandsworth,  M.  C.  Vick,  D.  D. 
Overall,  Elijah  Bratten,  Vick  Bros.,  George  Turney, 
James  Pritchett,  Isaac  Whaley,  H.  L.  Hale,  Blue 
Givan,  W.  T.  Hale,  and  others.  The  business  di- 
rectory for  1914  shows:  Maud  Spurlock,  Robinson 
&  McMillan,  Whaley  Bros.,  general  merchants ;  Bright 
Bros.,  vehicles ;  W.  L.  Vick,  harness ;  Will  Fite,  hard- 
ware ;  Turner  &  Son,  groceries ;  Bratten  Bros.,  grain ; 
William  Organ,  Jr.,  tinner;  Tom  Lamberson,  black- 
smith ;  Hugh  Gothard,  liveryman ;  H.  L.  Hale  and  Joe 
Conley,  produce;  Grover  Evans  and  J.  C.  Stark,  in- 
surance; L.  Woodward,  photographer;  W.  C.  Smith, 
painter. 

As  early  as  1832-33  the  neighborhood  around  the 
village  must  have  been  thickly  populated  or  many 
patrons  of  the  stores  came  from  the  Smithville  and 
Woodbury  communities.     Some  of  the  names  on  Dr. 

27 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Wright's  daybook  are :  J.  G.  Roulstone,  S.  J.  Garrison, 
David  L.  Ray,  W.  C.  Garrison,  Lemuel  H.  Bethel, 
David  Fite,  Reuben  Evans,  Eli  A.  Fisher,  M.  A. 
Fricks,  German  Gossett,  Francis  Turner,  G.  Shehane, 
Henry  Fite,  Charles  Jenkins,  James  Stanford,  George 
L.  Givan,  John  Floyd,  Zach  Williamson,  Brackett 
Estes,  John  L.  Strong,  Joel  N.  West,  John  Stark, 
Peter  Hays,  Joshua  Bratten,  B.  F.  Wood,  T.  W.  Dun- 
can, James  Wilder,  Moses  Fite,  Joseph  Cameron, 
Louis  Y.  Davis,  Thomas  Allan,  Lem  D.  Evans,  Richard 
Arnold,  Matthew  Simpson,  John  Little,  John  Griffith, 
James  Bayne,  William  Boyd,  Joseph  Fite,  Alfred  Wal- 
lace, Capt.  William  S.  Boswell,  David  Thompson, 
Thomas  Allan,  David  Fricks,  Richard  McGinnis,  John 
Stark,  John  Hays,  John  E.  Dale,  W.  T.  Cochran, 
Wyatt  Pistole,  Shadrick  Trammel,  Moses  Spencer, 
Thomas  and  Moses  Pack,  Shadrick  Kelley,  Tilman 
Bethel,  Lewis  Parker,  Milka  Strong,  Rev.  William 
Dale,  James  Pendleton,  Capt.  Joseph  Evans,  Aaron 
Davis,  Moses  Allen,  Capt.  James  Spurlock,  Alex 
Armstrong,  David  Dirting,  John  Owen,  Nancy  Kelly, 
Mrs.  Mary  Hart,  Henry  Hart,  P.  W.  Brien,  William 
A.  Wisner,  George  Barnes,  Joseph  Snow,  Henry 
Horn,  Rev.  James  Evans,  George  Foster,  Hugh  Smith, 
Joseph  Atnip,  R.  H.  Parkison,  John  Martin,  Nancy 
Givan,  William  Blair,  Charles  Hancock,  Luke  Mc- 
Dowell, Lewis  Parker,  John  Hollandsworth,  Jordan 
Sellars,  James  Baity,  Benjamin  Clark,  Dempsy  Tay- 
lor, Archibald  McDougle,  Benjamin  Goodson,  Lemuel 
Moore,  Abner  Evans,  Leonard  Fite,  Richard  Bennett, 
Isaac  Pack,  George  A.  Rich,  Smith  Brien,  Peter  Tur- 

28 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ney,  Augustiii  Vick,  Thomas  Underwood,  Nathan 
Wade,  John  Candler,  James  Carney,  Wingate  Truitt, 
Littleberry  Vick,  Leonard  Lamberson,  James  Perry- 
man,  Lewis  Ford,  WilHam  Estes,  Wiley  Wilder,  Crag 
Parsons,  Leven  Cray,  William  Brazwell,  William  Car- 
roll, Alfred  Wales,  Thomas  West,  A.  W.  Ford,  Wil- 
liam Measles,  Harriet  C.  Roulstone,  John  Conger, 
Joshua  Ford,  Wiley  J.  Melton,  Samuel  Hays,  James 
Robinson,  Mathias  S.  West,  John  Frazier,  Alex  Dil- 
lard,  Friday  Martin,  Robert  Wilson,  Samuel  Bryson, 
James  Yeargin,  D.  H.  Burton,  Benjamin  Avant,  Ed- 
ward Sullivant,  James  Pistole,  Washington  Gos- 
sett,  William  Gossett,  S.  C.  Porterfield,  Gideon 
B.  York,  Green  Arnold,  Tilman  Foster,  Mrs. 
Kesiah  Alexander,  Thomas  Bratten,  U.  G.  Gossett, 
Moses  Mathews,  Sophia  Givan,  David  H.  Burton,  Ed 
Evans,  Gilbert  Williams,  Samuel  Williams,  Silas 
Cooper,  John  R.  Dougherty,  Goulding  Foster,  J.  M. 
Farrington,  John  Reed,  Mikel  V.  Ethridge,  Dr. 
Samuel  Tittle,  Moses  Spencer,  Emerson  M.  Hill,  Ed- 
mund T.  Goggin,  Giles  Driver,  P.  C.  Watson,  Bryant 
Spradley,  Peter  Reynolds,  Josiah  Spurlock,  Jonathan 
Fuston,  John  Curtis,  Nathan  Evans,  A.  Overall,  J.  A. 
Wilson,  Thomas  Bratten,  O.  M.  Garrison,  Matthew 
Sellars,  Joab  Hale,  John  Burton,  W.  H.  Burton, 
Thomas  Taylor,  Sally  Evans,  Welles  Adamson,  W.  A. 
Nesmith,  Acenith  Fite,  Washington  Bayne,  Lee  Braz- 
well, Coleman  Johnson,  James  Bayne,  Thomas  Close, 
W.  B.  Stokes,  Jane  Lawrence,  Joseph  Hendrickson, 
Lewis  Stark.  Phillips  Cooper,  Henry  McMullin,  Sally 
Woodside,  Robin  Forester,  Cantrell  Bethel,  Jesse  B. 

29 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Jones,  Col.  James  Tubb,  Jacob  Page,  Thomas  Pack, 
John  Dodd,  WilHam  Botts,  Thomas  Whaley,  Jacob 
Overall,  John  M.  Leek,  Adam  Bratten,  Abe  Adams, 
Benjamin  Pritchard,  Isaac  Bratten,  Gilbert  Williams, 
Nancy  Burton,  George  Grizzle,  Onessimus  Evans,  W. 
S.  Scott,  Joseph  Evans,  Solomon  Davis,  Edwin  Shum- 
way,  John  Merritt,  Matthew  McLane,  Benjamin 
Blades,  F.  S.  Anderson,  and  Randall  Pafford. 

There  is  a  certain  pathos  connected  with  the  changes 
that  have  come  about  in  the  personnel  of  the  popula- 
tion during  the  past  fourscore  years.  For  instance, 
a  leading  family  of  Liberty  in  other  days  was  that  of 
Gossett ;  there  is  now  not  a  person  of  the  name  in  the 
village  or  in  the  county.  The  Dales,  as  shown,  have 
also  disappeared  from  the  town. 

Mrs.  Rachel  Payne  wrote  in  1914: 

I  well  remember  the  Liberty  of  sixty-two  years  ago,  my 
father,  Frederick  Jones,  having  bought  Duncan  Tavern  in 
1843.  In  that  year  the  first  schoolhouse  was  built,  not  far 
from  the  Methodist  church.  Mr.  Chambers  was  the  first 
teacher  in  it.  I  was  one  of  the  later  pupils.  Most  of  the 
houses  were  of  logs  back  then.  I  went  to  school  in  the  log 
church  that  stood  by  the  graveyard.  The  seats  were  split 
logs,  with  holes  in  them  for  the  insertion  of  legs.  The  first 
person  buried  in  Salem  graveyard  was  Major  Lamberson's 
girl,  Martha.  Nearly  all  the  old-time  people  are  gone  to  their 
reward.  Aunt  Polly  Youngblood  is  the  oldest  resident.  She 
was  a  Miss  Avant,  of  Dismal  Creek.  I  was  only  six  months 
old  wlicn  she  became  the  wife  of  William  Youngblood,  and  I 
was  sixty-eight  years  old  September  23,  1913.  There  were 
about  thirty  houses  in  Liberty  when  I  was  a  child,  and  nearly 
all  the  public  travel  was  by  stagecoach. 

30 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

In  a  gossipy  letter  Dr.  Foster  names  some  of  the 
residents  of  about  1850:  Mr.  Dean  (blacksmith),  Dr. 
J.  R.  Dougherty,  Joshua  Bratten  and  his  son  James, 
Dr.  J.  H.  Fuson,  Dr.  J.  A.  Baird,  Aunt  Sallie  Bratten, 
Len  Moore,  Bill  Thompson  (blacksmith),  Jim  Crook 
(wagon  maker),  Leonard  and  Clint  Lamberson,  Wil- 
liam Youngblood,  Dr.  G.  C.  Flowers,  Isaac  Whaley, 
Tom  Price,  Elijah  Strong,  J.  P.,  Bob,  Hilary,  and 
other  Dales,  Frederick  Jones  (tailor),  W.  G.  Foster. 
Arthur  Worley,  U.  D.  Gossett,  Ben  Blades,  Eli  Vick, 
Seth  Whaley,  James  Hollandsworth,  John  Woodsides, 
William  Gothard,  Bill  Avant  (tanner),  John  Evans, 
John  Reid,  and  John  Ferryman.    Dr.  Foster  adds : 

I  can  see  other  things  as  I  look  back  to  Liberty:  Aunt 
Polly  Blades's  ginger  cakes,  set  on  a  little  shelf  as  a  sign; 
Aunt  Hettie  Bratten  selling  good  whisky  for  ten  cents  a 
quart;  Dr.  Flowers's  John  with  his  bowlegs;  Jim  Crook  and 
his  legs ;  Alex  Bayne  and  his  snow-white  steers ;  and  Sam 
Wooden  as  he  hits  and  raises  a  knot  on  Bill  Pack's  head.  I 
go  around  to  Reuben  Evans's  farm  and  see  his  sons,  Ed,  Will, 
Ike,  Mose,  and  Jim,  and  his  daughters,  Nancy,  Matilda,  and 
Martha,  and  his  wife.  Aunt  Clara,  as  well  as  a  dog  named 
Danger,  that  bit  Jim  Youngblood  on  the  hindmost  part.  Like- 
wise I  see  old  Dr.  Tilman  Bethel  and  his  black  horse  and  his 
sons,  Chess,  Greene,  Blue,  Fayette,  and  John ;  Louis  Vick,  Jim 
Bratten,  and  Clint  Lamberson  (the  last  three  died  when  yet 
young  men).  Then  I  look  on  Polly  Stanley,  the  best  "fisher- 
man" with  a  pole  and  line  in  the  county  and  a  good  fiddler; 
Sam  Barger,  fat  and  squat,  who  wore  his  shoes  when  he  rode 
to  Liberty,  but  came  barefooted  when  he  walked.  Coming  on 
down  several  years,  I  was  in  the  village  the  night  Montillius 
Richardson  died.  That  was  after  the  battle  of  Fishing  Creek, 
and  I  was  on  furlough.  (I  belonged  to  the  Fifteenth  Missis- 
sippi  Confederate  Regiment.)      Sixty-five  years   ago,  when   I 

31 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

was  a  ten-year-old  boy,  changes  were  going  on,  of  course. 
The  physicians  were  George  C.  Flowers,  E.  Wright,  John  A. 
Baird,  Horace  Sneed,  Samuel  Little,  J.  A.  Fuson,  and  J.  R. 
Doughert}',  with  Tilman  Bethel,  a  steam  doctor,  living  a  mile 
or  two  west.  The  magistrates  for  that  district  were  Reuben 
Evans  and  Joe  Clarke.  The  constables  were  William  Black- 
burn and  Josiah  Youngblood.  Church  Anderson  was  one  of 
the  merchants.  The  blacksmiths  were  Bill  Thompson  and 
Greene  Ferryman,  but  preceding  them  were  Goolsberry  Blades 
and  a  man  named  Brooks.  Later  smiths  were  W.  G.  Evans 
and  Bill  Givan ;  miller,  "Chunky"  Joe  Hays  (who  was  not 
chunk)-),  his  wife  being  Aunt  Sukej-,  mother  of  Mrs.  William 
Blackburn;  shoemaker,  John  Woodside;  saddlers,  W.  G.  Fos- 
ter, U.  D.  Gossett,  John  A.  Carroll,  George  Warren,  G.  F. 
Bowers,  and  others ;  saloon  keeper,  James  G.  Fuston ;  cabinet 
workmen,  James  HoUandsworth,  Bob  Burton,  and  Isaac 
Whaley;  brickmason,  Berry  Driver;  tailors,  Joe  Ferryman 
and  Len  Moore.  The  Lamberson  boys  were  also  millers, 
running  the  old  Dale  water  mill.  Liberty  had  a  horse  saw 
mill  and  a  rope  factory — the  latter  about  where  the  tanyard 
was  afterwards.  Wagon  makers  were  Jim  Crook  and  Perry 
Wells.  Perry  and  Jim  Wells  put  up  a  store  on  Dismal  Creek 
after  the  Clay  and  Frelinghuysen  canvass,  and  some  one  got 
off  this  doggerel : 

"Hurrah  !  hurrah  !  the  country's  risin' ; 
Perry  and  Jim  are  merchandisin'. 
One  sells  liquor,  and  t'other  sells  goods ; 
And  when  they  start  home — get  lost  in  the  woods!" 

Liberty  was  incorporated  January  17,  1850.  The 
boundaries  were:  Beginning  at  a  sour  oak  near 
Leonard  Lamberson's  wellspring,  thence  south  to 
Smith's  Fork,  thence  down  said  creek  with  its  mean- 
ders to  the  mouth  of  the  branch  west  of  the  town 
spring,  thence  west  to  a  chinquapin  oak  standing  on 
the  north  side  of  the  Liberty  and  Dismal  Creek  road, 

32 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

thence  south  to  the  beginning ;  provided  that  the  west 
boundary  shall  not  include  any  of  the  land  owned  by 
Leonard  Lamberson. 

Revived  after  the  war,  the  corporation  was  abolished 
soon  after  the  passage  of  the  four-mile  law  of  1877. 
William  Blackburn  and  Elijah  Bratten  were  post- 
bellum  mayors. 

The  people  of  Liberty  for  some  years  had  to  go  as 
far  as  Carthage  to  mail  letters.  This  was  changed 
when  the  stage  began  to  run,  maybe  before.  The 
earliest  postmaster  recalled  by  the  old  people  was 
"Grandaddy"  Dougherty,  who  carried  the  mail 
around  in  his  hat,  collecting  the  postage.  Perhaps  Dr. 
Wright  preceded  Dougherty,  as  in  his  daybook  various 
persons  were  charged  "cash  for  postage."  Wright 
was  a  son-in-law  of  James  Fuston,  third  host  of  Dun- 
can Tavern.  In  1844  Isaac  Whaley  succeeded 
Dougherty,  holding  tlie  position  until  1888,  with  the 
exception  of  a  few  months  when,  at  the  beginning  of 
the  war,  Frank  Foster  was  postmaster  for  the  Con- 
federacy and  when,  after  the  war,  M.  C.  Vick  held  the 
office  a  short  time.  H.  L.  Hale  succeeded  Mr.  Wha- 
ley in  1888.  ]\Irs.  Cannie  Whaley  was  appointed  some 
years  later.    C.  L.  Bright  is  the  present  postmaster. 

It  should  be  noted  that  there  were  no  envelopes  un- 
til a  late  day.  The  writer  has  before  him  now  a  letter 
addressed  in  1827  to  "Mr.  M.  S.  West,  Liberty,  Smith 
Co.,  Ten."  It  is  a  sheet  of  paper  folded  and  fastened 
with  a  small  bit  of  sealing  wax,  the  amount  of  postage, 
ten  cents,  being  marked  on  the  outside.    It  was  mailed 

3  33 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

at  Haysboro,  Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  shows  that 
postal  rates  were  high. 

In  an  interview  with  Isaac  Whaley  several  years 
ago  the  writer  obtained  these  facts  bearing  on  the  old 
times :  "The  letter  postage  was  once  six  cents  from 
Liberty  to  Alexandria,  seven  miles ;  ten  cents  to  Nash- 
ville, fifty-six  miles ;  over  four  hundred  miles  the 
postage  was  twenty-five  cents,  double  that  if  the  let- 
ter consisted  of  two  sheets.  Like  registered  letters 
to-day,  a  record  of  every  letter  was  made  on  a  Svay 
bill,'  each  postmaster  receipting  for  it  to  the  post- 
master back  on  the  route." 

The  physicians  of  Liberty  have  been  numerous. 
These  are  recalled :  Early,  J.  R.  Dougherty,  J.  A. 
Baird,  E.  Wright,  George  C.  Flowers;  Tilman  Bethel 
and  Dr.  Little,  herbists ;  Horace  Sneed,  George  R. 
Givan,  J.  A.  Fuson,  Thomas  Black,  J.  S.  Harrison. 
Later,  A.  S.  Redman,  J.  W.  Campbell,  T.  J.  Sneed, 
W.  H.  Robinson,  W.  A.  Whaley,  J.  H.  Johnson,  J. 
G.  Squires,  W.  A.  Barger,  Robert  Estes,  T.  O.  Brat- 
ten,  J,  R.  Hudson.  Present,  T.  J.  Jackson,  T.  J.  Brat- 
tcn,  Harrison  Adamson. 

Dr.  Foster  mentions  the  old  miller,  ''Chunky"  Joe 
Hays,  whose  service  was  after  Adam  Dale's  time.  The 
Lambersons  and  Daniel  Smith  owned  the  mill  still 
later.  W.  C.  Youngblood  and  Edward  Robinson  were 
owners  of  the  steam  mill  when  it  was  burned  by  the 
troops  of  Gen.  John  T.  Wilder,  Federal. 

Allan  Wright,  of  Maryland,  came  to  Liberty  in 
1866  and  built  a  mill  on  the  site  of  the  one  which  had 
been  burned,  the  fir.st  to  be  erected  in  the  county  after 

34 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

peace  came.  For  many  years  the  patronage  of  this 
mill  was  very  great.  Among  those  who  have  been 
connected  with  it  since  the  war  were :  E.  W.  Bass,  Jep 
WilHams,  George  Wood,  L.  N.  Woodside,  J.  H.  Over- 
all, John  L.  Lamberson,  and  George  Bradley, 

A  water  mill  was  erected  by  Buck  \\'aters  about 
1873  or  1874  a  few  yards  below  the  site  of  the  Dale 
mill,  the  dam  which  supplies  the  big  turbine  wheel  being 
one  hundred  and  twenty-five  yards  wide  and  twelve 
feet  high.  It  was  sold  to  Vannata  &  Hicks.  Within 
the  next  few  years  it  was  owned  by  \'annata  &  Stark 
Bros.,  H.  L.  Hale  &  Stark  Bros.,  and  H.  L.  and  Bruce 
L.  Hale.  About  1884  a  stock  company  was  formed 
and  the  roller  process  installed,  the  stockholders 
being  R.  L.  Floyd,  George  Turney,  R.  B.  West,  Sams 
Sellars,  T.  G.  Bratten,  W.  C.  Youngblood,  B.  L.  Hale, 
and  C.  W.  L.  Hale.  The  capital  stock  was  $6,000. 
On  the  death  of  B.  L.  Hale,  in  1898,  R.  B.  Floyd  and 
C.  W.  L.  Hale  bought  all  the  shares.  The  property 
is  now  owned  by  Bradley  Bros. 

The  earliest  attempt  at  publishing  in  Liberty  was 
made  by  H.  L.  and  Will  T.  Hale.  The  paper  was 
small,  miserably  printed,  and  called  the  Imp.  Only 
one  issue  appeared  (September  20,  1879)  !  ^^""d  had  it 
been  larger,  its  failure  would  have  deserved  what  the 
father  of  the  young  men  cheerfully  called  it^  "a  stu- 
pendous abortion." 

The  Liberty  Herald  was  established  April  i,  1886, 
by  Will  A.  Vick.  Mr.  Vick  spent  considerable  money 
on  the  plant,  and  the  journal,  existing  several  years, 

35 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

became  very  popular  in  DeKalb  and  surrounding 
counties. 

The  Bank  of  Liberty  was  established  by  A.  E.  Pot- 
ter and  J.  J.  Smith  in  1898.  The  latter  became  Presi- 
dent, H.  L.  Overall,  Vice  President,  and  A.  E.  Potter, 
Cashier.  Directors :  D.  D.  Overall,  J.  J.  Smith,  H.  L. 
Overall,  H.  C.  Givan,  C.  D.  Williams,  E.  J.  Robinson, 
Will  A.  Vick,  L.  D.  Hamilton,  A.  E.  Potter,  W.  R. 
Robinson,  and  J.  W.  Reynolds.  Mr.  Potter  was  Cashier 
until  1895,  when  D.  D.  Overall  became  President  and 
W.  H.  Overall,  Cashier.  The  officers  in  1914  were: 
John  W.  Overall,  President;  Thomas  M.  Givan,  Vice 
President,  T.  H.  Chapman,  Cashier ;  J.  C.  Stark,  As- 
sistant Cashier.  Directors :  T.  M.  Givan,  W.  H.  Over- 
all, T.  J.  Jackson,  J.  F.  Turner,  B.  W.  Robinson,  T. 
H.  Chapman,  John  W.  Overall,  and  Tom  W,  Overall. 

The  American  Savings  Bank  opened  for  business 
December  8,  1905.  This  bank,  like  the  other,  has  been 
successfully  conducted.  The  first  officers  were :  T. 
G.  Bratten,  President ;  W.  H.  Bass,  Vice  President ; 
J.  M.  Bradley,  Cashier.  Directors :  G.  B.  Givan,  D. 
B.  Wilson,  J.  B.  West,  R.  B.  Vannata,  S.  J.  Chapman, 
Mrs.  M.  J.  Corley,  J.  R.  Corley,  W.  L.  Evans,  W.  F. 
Hooper,  H.  M.  Evans,  J.  E.  Williams,  and  J.  L.  Lam- 
berson.  These  officers,  or  all  that  were  living,  held 
their  positions  until  1914.  The  President's  health  be- 
came such  that  on  January  10,  1914,  the  following 
officers  were  elected:  L.  A.  Bass,  President;  G.  B. 
Givan,  Vice  President ;  J.  M.  Bradley,  Cashier.  Di- 
rectors: L.  A.  Bass,  G.  B.  Givan,  H.  M.  Evans,  R.  B. 
Vannata,  J.  M.  Bradley,  H.  A.  Bratten,  D.  B.  Wilson, 

36 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

A.  L.  Reynolds,  A.  J.  Williams,  J.  E.  Hobson,  J.  L. 
Lamberson,  W.  L.  Evans,  and  S.  J.  Chapman.  H.  M. 
Evans,  T.  M.  Bright,  and  C.  G.  Givan,  as  finance  com- 
mittee, have  served  since  the  organization. 

Among  landmarks  reminding  this  generation  of  a 
past  era  are  Lamberson's  wellspring  and  the  town 
spring.  The  former  was  on  the  southwest,  with  a  sweep 
and  the  "old  oaken  bucket."  Here  on  baptizing  days 
the  crowds  going  to  and  from  the  place  of  baptism 
higher  up  Smith  Fork  Creek  would  stop  to  quench 
their  thirst  and  to  gossip.  The  town  spring,  on  the 
north  side,  was  of  more  romantic  interest.  The  pio- 
neers greatly  appreciated  a  good  spring.  It  for  a  while 
furnished  drinking  water  for  almost  the  entire  village. 
It  was  walled  up,  while  a  long  flight  of  stone  steps  led 
down  to  the  entrance  on  the  east  side,  where  a  bucket- 
ful of  the  sparkling  fluid  could  be  easily  dipped  up. 
For  half  a  century  it  was  a  Sunday  meeting  place  for 
the  young  folks.  Seated  in  couples  on  the  steps  or 
under  the  big  oak  on  the  bluff,  they  engaged  in  light 
badinage  or  love-making.  The  spring  is  yet  held  in 
pleasant  memory  by  many  elderly  people. 

There  is  one  other  landmark  demanding  notice,  the 
pioneer  cemetery  on  the  northwest  edge  of  Liberty. 
It  is  referred  to  by  H.  L.  Hale  as  the  "old  Methodist 
graveyard."  It  lies  on  a  gentle  slope  facing  the  sunrise, 
and  at  one  time  it  must  have  been  a  beautiful  spot. 
Pathos  now  hovers  over  it.  But  few  stones  are  stand- 
ing, and  these  are  the  stone  pens  covered  with  broad 
slabs  of  carefully  worked  limestone.  Not  a  flower 
can  be  seen  in  the  most  gorgeous  summer  save  the 

37 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

wild  rose.  No  one  walks  there  to  meditate  over  the 
departed.  A  century  ago  children's  voices  were  heard, 
and  relatives  of  the  dead  walked  among  the  tombs  to 
pay  the  tribute  of  a  sigh.  Now  nobody  cares.  James 
H.  Burton  writes:  "My  grandfathers,  Ebenezer  Bur- 
ton and  John  S.  Woodside,  my  father  and  mother,  W. 
H.  and  Nancy  Burton,  and  Uncle  John  Woodside  are 
buried  there."  H.  L.  Hale  writes:  "Few  names  on  the 
two  or  three  tombs  are  legible.  On  a  little  'house  of 
rock,'  the  last  home  evidently  of  a  husband  and  wife, 

this  only  could  be  read:  ' Daugherty.    Born  1770, 

died  1828.'  Near  by  was  this :  'Caroline  Arnold. 
Died  July  22,  1828.'  On  another  tomb :  'D.  E.  S.  Ken- 
ner.  Died  December  4,  1809;  age  seventy-seven 
years.'  One  other :  'Nancy  Kite,  born  1805  ;  died  July 
22,  1828.'  Judging  from  the  grave  of  D.  E.  S.  Ken- 
ner,  the  cemetery  was  used  at  least  one  hundred  and 
five  years  ago,  and  the  slumberer  was  born  the  same 
year  Washington  was,  1732." 

Liberty,  fifty-six  miles  east  of  Nashville,  has  suf- 
fered much  from  fires.  It  is  in  one  of  the  finest  agri- 
cultural sections  of  the  State,  with  a  population  esti- 
mated at  five  hundred,  and  perhaps  it  is  of  more  ro- 
mantic interest  than  the  other  towns  in  the  county. 

38 


CHAPTER  IV. 
Pastimes  of  the  Foreparents. 

We  should  not  think  of  the  past  in  terms  of  the 
present,  but  remember  that  social  advantages  of  a 
century  ago  were  far  inferior  to  those  of  1914.  The 
society  of  the  grandparents,  then,  as  in  all  primitive 
communities,  was  somewhat  rude.  The  crudeness 
varied,  being  less  apparent  in  the  villages  than  farther 
in  the  backwoods.  While  there  was  some  degree  of 
refinement  among  those  who  could  buy  books  and  visit 
the  outside  world  occasionally,  the  majority  were  plain 
citizens.  Amusements  were  few.  There  were  parties, 
sometimes  called  frolics.  Candy-pulling  and  fru- 
menty boilings  were  often  the  outcome  of  a  quilting, 
log-rolling,  or  corn-shucking.  Such  plays  as  "thim- 
ble," "snap,"  "slapout,"  and  "Jake's  a-grinning" 
would  be  engaged  in.  Others  would  be  accompanied 
by  songs  on  this  order : 

The  higher  up  the  cherry  tree, 

The   riper  grows  the  cherry; 
The  sooner  you  court  a  pretty  girl, 

The  sooner  you  will  marry. 

The  dances  were  usually  rough  in  outlying  com- 
munities. The  more  cultured,  especially  near  the  mid- 
dle of  the  nineteenth  century,  enjoyed  the  Virginia 
reel  and  other  less  boisterous  dances ;  their  plays,  too, 
were  more  refined. 

With  people  of  Anglo-Saxon  stock  the  favorite 
musical  instrument  in  the  first  stages  of  society  is  the 

39 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

violin.  General  Stokes  and  Hon.  Horace  Overall  per- 
formed on  this  instrument.  In  the  mercantile  account 
book  of  Dr.  Wright  General  Stokes,  Richard  Arnold, 
and  Green  B.  Adams  are  charged  with  "piano  songs" 
in  the  first  third  of  the  nineteenth  century.  Does  this 
mean  that  there  were  pianos  in  the  county  as  early  as 
that  ?  Possibly  the  music  was  bought  to  be  sung  with- 
out piano  accompaniment.  The  fiddlers  in  the  county 
from  1800  to  1875,  including  black  and  white,  would 
have  no  doubt  numbered  several  hundred,  and  some 
were  so  popular  that  they  were  in  demand  on  all  near- 
by social  and  public  occasions  where  music  was  a  fea- 
ture. 

The  race  course  was  encouraged  and  well  patron- 
ized. There  were  quite  a  number  of  locally  famous 
horses,  and  some  had  prestige  beyond  the  borders  of 
the  State.    Dr.  Foster  writes: 

The  stallions  Old  Pete,  George  Boyd,  and  Steamboat  were 
as  well  known  in  the  western  part  of  the  county  about  1845 
or  1850  as  the  most  prominent  citizens.  William  Gothard,  of 
Liberty,  was  a  great  lover  of  horses.  Lemuel  Moore,  the 
tailor,  once  sold  a  small  "scrub"  for  thirty-five  dollars.  The 
animal  turned  out  to  be  a  racer  and  soon  afterwards  sold 
for  eighteen  hundred  dollars. 

Tan  Fitts,  of  near  Temperance  Hall,  owned  Dock 
Alvin,  Elizabeth  Johnson,  and  Tom  Hal,  noted  racers. 

The  most  noted  animal  in  the  county  was  Ariel,  a 
quarter  horse.  The  owner  was  William  B.  Stokes. 
It  was  told  that  he  won  so  many  stakes  that  few  would 
bet  against  him,  and  through  a  prejudiced  cabal  he 
was    ruled    off    the    tracks.      Whereupon    his    owner 

40 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

painted  him  a  different  color  and  won  other  races,  but 
the  paint  eventually  took  off  the  hair.  Of  course  this 
was  apocryphal.  Stokes's  daughter,  Mrs.  Leath  Cal- 
houn, told  the  writer  that  Ariel's  leg  was  broken  and 
that  her  father  gave  him  to  his  brother-in-law,  Horace 
Overall,  then  a  lad.  Horace  and  the  little  slaves  put 
some  sort  of  juice  or  homemade  liniment  on  the  af- 
flicted limb.  As  it  did  some  good,  boylike,  they  de- 
cided to  anoint  him  all  over,  thinking  a  greater  im- 
provement would  result.  This  denuded  him  of  his 
once  glossy  coat.  In  a  conversation  with  the  writer  in 
1899  Mr.  Leander  Hayes  said :  "I  recall  having  passed 
Colonel  Overall's  one  day  and  saw  the  animal  stand- 
ing in  the  lot  by  the  road.  All  the  hair  had  slipped 
from  him  except  that  on  his  belly  and  the  ends  of  his 
ears.    He  was  a  woeful  sight." 

What  became  of  Ariel?  The  next  heard  of  him  is 
through  Oliver  Taylor's  history  of  Sullivan  County, 
East  Tennessee.    Taylor  says  in  one  place : 

Sullivan  County  wheat  took  first  prize  over  the  world  at 
the  Vienna  Exposition  in  1872,  and  the  bones  of  the  swiftest 
horse  of  the  racing  days  between  1845  and  i860  moldered  on 
a  field  on  the  old  Fain  farm  east  of  Blountville. 

Farther  along  in  his  chapter  devoted  to  politics  are 
these  notes: 

When  General  Stokes  and  De  Witt  Senter  were  opposing 
each  other  for  Governor  [in  1869]  they  engaged  in  a  discus- 
sion at  Blountville.  Stokes  was  the  owner  of  Ariel,  the 
famous  race  horse.  He  appealed  to  the  horse-breeding  and 
agricultural  spirit  of  his  countr3'men.  "The  bones  of  Ariel," 
said  he,  "are  moldering  in  Sullivan  County  soil."  Replying 
to  this,  Senter  said :  "I  grant  you  it  is  a  great  honor  to  have 

41 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

the  resting  place  of  the  fastest  horse  of  the  times ;  but,  gentle- 
men, the  bones  of  an  ancestor  of  mine,  who  fought  in  the 
battle  of  King's  Mountain,  are  sleeping  in  Sullivan ;  and  what 
are  the  bones  of  the  fastest  horse  in  the  world  compared  with 
the  sacred  dust  of  a  man  who  fought  for  your  liberties?" 

It  is  possible  that  Ariel,  after  recovering  from  the 
broken  leg,  was  bought  and  carried  to  East  Tennessee 
for  breeding  purposes.  Dr.  T.  J.  Jackson,  of  Liberty, 
says  that  he  once  read  a  description  of  Ariel  in  pam- 
phlet form,  and  his  natural  color  was  described  as 
"snow  white." 

There  were  company,  regimental,  and  brigade  mus- 
ters in  the  first  half  of  the  nineteenth  century.  They 
became  less  frequent  about  1855. 

Solomon  in  his  glory  was  not  much  more  re- 
splendent than  the  superior  officers  at  these  gatherings. 
Especially  noticeable  were  their  long  black  or  red 
plumes.  When  the  time  came  to  muster,  some  one 
would  take  a  position  at  some  point  on  the  street  and 
cry  out :  "Oyez,  Oyez !     All  who  belong  to  Captain 

's  company   form   in   a   parade   here."     Another 

would  call  the  same  to  a  different  company  a  hundred 
or  two  yards  distant,  and  so  on  until  all  the  militia  was 
in  action.  After  forming  they,  with  drum  and  fife 
(field  officers  on  prancing  horses),  would  march  to  a 
commodious  field  and  evolute  and  march  to  the  ad- 
miration of  the  surging  crowds.     Dr.  Foster  writes : 

As  the  muster  at  Smithville  was  a  bigger  affair  than  that 
at  Liberty,  it  must  have  been  a  brigade  muster.  Colonel 
Cotton,  Major  Atnip,  and  Captain  Perkins  took  great  interest 
in  these  affairs.  The  officers'  hats,  as  I  remember,  were  of 
the  stovepipe   pattern.     Horses   not  used   to  the  noise   and 

42 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

crowds  reared  and  pranced,  but  Captain  Perkins  seemed  to 
enjoy  the  prancing  of  his  roan  steed.  In  the  language  of 
old  Tom  Askew,  all  the  officers  "felt  the  weight  of  the  argu- 
ment." 

Mr.  H.  L.  Hale,  who  was  almost  six  years  of  age 
when  the  war  began,  recalls  a  muster  he  witnessed  at 
Liberty  and  writes : 

I  think  Peter  Adams  was  then  colonel  of  a  DeKalb  regi- 
ment. I  can  see  Colonel  Peter  sitting  his  graj'  charger  in  a 
deep  Spanish  saddle,  with  high  boots  and  spurs  and  three- 
cornered  or  crescent-shaped  hat  and  large  feather  or  tassel. 
He  was,  I  thought,  the  finest  and  greatest  man  I  ever  saw 
or  could  expect  to  see.  Tall  and  straight,  he  had  a  military 
bearing  as  long  as  he  lived ;  and,  small  as  I  was  when  I  saw 
him  on  this  occasion,  I  thought  he  took  special  pains  to  "dad- 
die"'  that  plume  by  some  movement  of  the  head. 

He  says  further:  "These  companies  always  marched 
to  the  stirring  music  of  fife  and  drum.  There  was  a 
Liberty  company  called  the  Blues  and  another  the 
Greens.  Ike  Lamberson  and  Jim  Bethel,  negroes, 
were  noted  fifers  and  drummers."* 


*Among  the  State  archives  are  many  commissions  of  mus- 
ter days.  Thus,  Thomas  Patterson  was  made  captain  of  the 
Fortj'-First  Regiment  September  i8,  1812,  George  Turney 
lieutenant,  and  Josiah  Spurlock  ensign.  Joseph  Fite  became 
a  captain  in  the  regiment  January-  28,  1813.  Lemuel  Moore 
was  commissioned  lieutenant  of  the  same  regiment  June  14, 
1813,  and  Moses  Garrison  September  14,  1814.  In  the  last- 
named  year  Shadrack  Moore  was  made  a  second  major  of 
the  Sixteenth  Regiment  March  21,  while  Beverly  Strange 
(or  Strong)  became  captain  April  13.  James  Malone  figures 
as  early  as  August  31,  181 3,  as  lieutenant. 

43 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Shooting  matches  were  greatly  appreciated,  and 
there  were  crack  shots  celebrated  throughout  the 
county,  W.  G.  Evans  and  John  McDowell  among 
others. 

The  chase  is  appreciated  in  all  new  countries,  and 
it  was  so  in  this  county.  Until  long  after  the  War  be- 
tween the  States  some  farmers  kept  packs  of  fox 
hounds.  It  would  be  interesting  to  know  their  breed. 
But  they  were  black  and  tan,  with  an  occasional  gray- 
ish or  pied  animal,  lank,  with  long  pendulous  ears, 
calling  to  mind  Shakespeare's  description :  "Ears  that 
swept  away  the  morning  dew,  .  .  .  matched  in 
mouth  like  bells."  Farm  neighbors  would  meet  each 
other  with  their  packs  on  some  high  point  in  the  hills 
and  spend  the  hours  from  dark  to  dawn's  approach 
and  listen  and  listen  and  listen.  The  charm  born  of 
night  in  the  woods  around  the  fire  waiting  for  the 
hounds  to  open  up !  The  music  of  the  trailing  pack 
wafted  over  hill  and  hollow !  The  man  who  takes  part 
in  all  this  once  soon  finds  the  lure  irresistible,  and  the 
chase  becomes  a  habit. 

The  writer  has  heard  his  mother  describe  the  corn- 
shuckings  and  the  shanty  songs  sung  while  the  men 
were  at  work.  A  banquet  would  follow  the  husking  of 
the  big  piles  of  maize  about  midnight.  Though  the 
corn-shucking  meant  work  for  the  negroes,  they  en- 
joyed any  occasion  where  they  were  free  to  indulge  in 
antics  and  humor.  Whisky  and  brandy  were  plentiful 
on  these  occasions.  The  report  of  a  "husking  bee" 
held  in  the  northern  corn  belt  some  years  ago  showed 
that  a  champion  shucked  ten  and  a  half  bushels  in  an 

44 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

hour.  Something  like  that  was  probably  turned  out 
at  the  corn-shuckings  mentioned. 

Superstition  prevailed,  and,  indeed,  it  still  prevails 
to  some  extent.  The  writer  does  not  claim  freedom 
from  it  and  admits  that  he  will  not  willingly  pass 
under  a  ladder,  pare  his  nails  on  Sunday,  tell  a  dream 
on  Friday  morning  before  breakfast,  nor  step  over  an- 
other's feet !  The  inculcation  of  superstitious  notions 
has  been  laid  to  the  slaves ;  but  our  ancestors  were  as 
much  to  blame,  if  any  blame  can  be  said  to  attach, 
since  the  wisest  minds  now  give  credence  to  the  occult. 

The  social  visit,  as  it  was  of  old,  might  well  be  classed 
with  amusements.  There  was  still  a  genuine  hospital- 
ity existing,  and  for  neighbors,  though  not  related,  to 
pay  each  other  a  visit  Saturday  afternoon  and  remain 
until  Sunday  afternoon  was  no  uncommon  thing. 
This  was  called  "going  abroad" ;  by  the  children, 
"goin'  on  a  broad."  Perhaps  Saturday  night  was  the 
most  interesting  part  of  the  visit.  Around  the  great 
wood  fire  in  winter  or  upon  the  porch  in  summer  the 
gossip  of  the  neighborhood  would  be  discussed,  then 
would  follow  stories  of  adventure  and  the  supernat- 
ural, relieved  with  humorous  anecdotes.  Greatly  en- 
joyed, too,  was  the  evening  call,  when  neighbors 
would  merely  "drop  in"  and  sit  till  bedtime. 

Reverting  to  the  society  of  the  foreparents,  it 
should  be  stated  that  looking  on  wine  when  it  was  red 
and  corn  whisky  when  it  was  white  was  almost  univer- 
sal. In  1840  there  were  1,274  distilleries  in  the  State. 
The  best  citizens  made,  sold,  and  drank  intoxicants. 
There  was  scarcely  a  gathering  where  men  did  not 

45 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

drink — musters,  races,  elections,  and  weddings.  The 
bibulous  frequently  disturbed  camp  meetings.  Chil- 
dren were  "treated"  on  Christmas  morning.  Of  course 
there  were  temperance  advocates.  When  Bird  S.  Rhea 
and  H.  A.  Overall  were  candidates  to  represent  the 
county  in  1853,  the  former  was  defeated,  it  is  thought, 
because  of  his  temperance  principles. 

DeKalb  County  had  its  share  of  the  1,274  "stills." 
Perhaps  the  first  was  put  up  about  1801  by  Jesse  Allen 
on  Eagle  Creek.  The  writer's  maternal  grandfather, 
Abraham  Overall,  was  a  distiller,  and  from  his  old 
account  book  we  get  an  idea  of  the  cheapness  of  ar- 
dent spirits  and  realize  how  the  best  people  kept  a 
supply.  Among  his  customers  were  Thomas  Richard- 
son, Moses  Allen,  Dr.  Flowers,  Dr.  Jefferson  Sneed, 
William  Goggin,  Josiah  Fuson,  Samson  Braswell, 
John  Allen,  Josiah  Hale,  Matthew  Sellars,  Samuel 
Barger,  William  Pistole,  Joseph  Hays,  James  Stark, 
Hiram  Morris,  Joseph  Turney,  Daniel  Ford,  Francis 
Turner,  Isaac  Turney,  Jacob  Adams,  Henry  Powell, 
Goolsberry  Blades,  'Bias  Wilson,  and  Peter  Clark. 
Polly  Stanly  and  Polly  Huchens  purchased  largely, 
perhaps  to  sell.  The  latter  on  July  17,  1841,  was 
charged  $3  for  six  gallons.  Under  the  same  date  is 
this  entry :  "Three  gallons  whisky  in  evening  of  the 
election,  $1.50."  Here  are  the  purchases  of  one  farmer 
for  about  seven  months  of  1844.  The  buyer's  name 
is  withheld,  although  on  the  book:  April  12,  one  gallon 
of  brandy,  .623/2 ;  April  17,  one  gallon  of  whisky  (or- 
der), -Zy^^',  April  27,  one  gallon  of  whisky,  .373^2; 
May  I,  one  gallon  of  whiskv,  .37>4  ;  May  9,  one  gal- 

46' 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Ion  of  whisky,  .37^^ ;  May  23,  one  gallon  of  whisky, 
.37^ ;  May  29,  one  gallon  of  whisky,  .2i7y2  ;  June  18, 
one  gallon  of  w'hisky,  .yjYi. ;  June  27,  one  gallon  of 
whisky,  .37^,*  July  12,  one  gallon  of  whisky,  .Z7^^', 
July  17,  one  gallon  of  whisky,  .37'/2 ;  August  24,  one 
gallon  of  W'hisky,  .'i^yYi ;  November  6,  one  gallon  of 
brandy,  .40, 

4? 


CHAPTER  V. 
Farming  and  Merchandising. 

Three  early  land  offices  had  been  opened  in  Ten- 
nessee at  different  times.  That  for  Middle  Tennessee 
was  opened  in  1783.  A  military  reservation  was  laid 
off  to  satisfy  bounties  promised  the  Revolutionary  sol- 
diers of  North  Carolina.  Thousands  of  acres  were 
taken  up.  As  no  method  of  selecting  land  was  used 
(the  holder  of  a  warrant  could  explore  and  locate  any- 
where and  in  any  shape),  the  best  was  taken  up,  and 
poor  tracts  were  left  in  every  section.  The  North 
Carolina  demands  for  her  old  soldiers  were  allowed 
even  after  Tennessee  became  a  State.  Each  private 
was  given  640  acres ;  each  noncommissioned  officer, 
1,000;  each  captain,  3,840;  each  colonel,  7,200;  and 
so  on.  Gen.  Nathaniel  Green  was  granted  25,000 
acres. 

Many  warrants  were  located  on  DeKalb  County 
lands.  Not  all  the  soldiers  or  their  heirs  desired  to 
locate  here,  though  some  came.  So  numerous  claims 
were  bought  up  by  speculators,  Linn  Cocke  being  one 
of  the  best  known. 

Early  crops  were  hemp,  cotton,  and  tobacco  in  more 
than  one  portion  of  the  county.  Neither  cotton  nor 
hemp  is  now  grown  here.  Wheat  to-day  is  one  of  the 
main  crops,  but  the  pioneers  grew  so  little  of  it  that 
wheat  bread  was  with  a  host  only  a  Sunday  morning 
luxury.  Wheat  had  to  be  cut  with  hand  sickles  and 
threshed  with  a  flail  or  tramped  out  by  horses  and 

48 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

oxen,  and  making  it  into  flour  was  not  easily  done. 
The  grain  was  ground  between  rough  millstones  and 
the  product  bolted  by  hand.  Before  the  turnpike  was 
built,  com,  which  has  always  been  the  American 
pioneer's  stand-by,  could  not  be  carried  to  distant  mar- 
kets with  profit,  and  this  may  be  one  reason  why  there 
were  so  many  distilleries  in  the  early  years.  Cotton 
and  hemp  were  used  largely  in  making  clothing  for 
the  slaves,  for  there  were  many  in  the  county.  John 
K.  Bain,  whose  father,  Peter  Bain,  settled  near  the 
mouth  of  Sink  Creek  in  1812,  says:  "The  productions 
of  that  section  were  corn,  wheat,  oats,  and  rye.  Reap- 
ing was  done  with  hand  sickles.  Plows  used  were  bull 
tongues.  Iron  cost  twenty-five  cents  a  pound.  The 
range  was  good.  Hogs  got  fat  on  beech  mast,  dry 
cattle  lived  on  the  range  all  winter,  and  there  was  no 
thoroughbred  stock."  Dr.  Foster  writes :  "Corn  about 
1845  sold  for  $1  a  barrel,  or  ten  cents  the  bushel  if  you 
went  to  the  country  after  it.  I  remember  when  the 
best  horses  sold  for  $40 ;  then  the  price  went  up  some, 
and  as  fine  a  horse  as  I  ever  saw  in  the  county  was 
bought  by  John  F.  Moore  at  Liberty  for  $100.  Haul- 
ing was  done  mostly  with  oxen,  many  men  driving  two 
yokes.  As  fine  apples  grew  in  the  Basin  as  anywhere." 
An  account  book  of  1844,  once  belonging  to  Col. 
Abraham  Overall,  gives  an  insight  to  farm  products 
and  prices  of  that  period;  they  were  probably  about 
the  same  throughout  the  county.  Hemp  retailed  on 
the  farm  at  about  five  cents  the  pound ;  tobacco,  four 
cents;  flour,  $1.50  per  one  hundred  pounds;  apples 
and    sweet    potatoes,    twenty-five    cents    the    bushel. 

4  49 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Freight  by  wagon  from  Nashville  to  Liberty  was  sixty 
cents  per  one  hundred  pounds. 

If  the  foreparents  did  not  generally  have  pure-bred 
stock,  they  had  good  crosses,  judging  by  the  great 
herds  of  hogs  driven  south  yearly.  The  Copperbot- 
tom  horse  was  popular,  as  was  the  Morgan.  Doubtless 
the  Narragansett  was  known,  since  for  years  pacing 
was  an  appreciated  gait.  William  B.  Stokes,  T.  W. 
Fitts,  and  others  made  a  specialty  of  fine  horses  in 
ante-bellum  days.  It  might  be  interesting  to  dwell  on 
such  breeds  of  poultry  as  the  old  dominique  and 
shanghai,  once  prized  but  now  differentiated  into  brah- 
mas  and  cochins.  Likewise  vegetables  like  peach- 
blow  and  London  lady  potatoes  and  the  small  varie- 
ties of  tomatoes  or  "love  apples,"  as  they  were  then 
called. 

The  grandparents  lived  well.  Vegetables  were  care- 
fully stored  for  winter  use.  Smokehouse  and  larder 
v/ere  full.  Maple  sirup  and  New  Orleans  molasses 
were  used,  as  sorghum  was  not  introduced  into  Amer- 
ica until  1853.  Loaf  sugar  was  a  delicacy,  though 
there  was  a  cheap  quality  of  brown  sugar. 

The  earliest  merchants  of  the  county  doubtless  car- 
ried small  stocks.  One  reason  was  that  merchandise 
was  hauled  long  distances.  Another  was  that  every 
village  had  its  hatter,  tailor,  shoemaker,  and  saddler. 
Handmade  things  were  the  rule.  Much  cloth  was 
manufactured  at  home  (housewives  vying  with  each 
other  in  weaving)  and  made  up  at  home  or  by  the 
tailor.  Isaac  Whaley  once  gave  this  pointer  to  the 
writer:  "Our  people  generally  wore  homespun  clothes 

50 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

— the  women  cotton  dresses  striped  with  indigo  and 
turkey  red,  though  some  had  silk.  The  men's  clothing 
was  usually  made  by  tailors,  our  first  tailor  at  Liberty 
being  Bill  Cochran;  the  second,  Joe  Ferryman.  The 
best  of  our  early  hatters  was  Mathias  West,  who  made 
considerable  money.  Wool  and  fur  hats  were  made. 
Mr.  West  could  make  as  fine  a  'stovepipe'  as  you  will 
see.  The  price  was  $7  or  $8,  and  when  the  fur  was 
worn  off  the  hat  was  brought  back  and  made  as  good 
as  new.  The  wealthiest  people,  like  Francis  Turner, 
Ned  Robinson,  and  Abraham  Overall,  had  fine  broad- 
cloth suits  made  by  the  tailors."  The  old  people  have 
always  claimed  that  merchandise  was  frequently 
brought  from  New  Orleans,  necessitating  high  prices 
with  the  middlemen,  for  the  trip  by  keel  boat  required 
five  months.  Even  the  Liberty  merchants  may  have 
got  some  of  their  wares  by  water,  for  this  item  is 
found  in  Dr.  Wright's  daybook:  "John  Conger,  credit 
for  raising  flatboat  and  keeping  her  till  next  boating 
season  in  Caney  Fork,  $20." 

By  1830,  however,  stocks  of  goods  were  no  doubt 
enlarged,  and  Alexandria  may  have  made  the  innova- 
tion. Dr.  Foster  writes  that  "the  people  of  that  town 
were  always  more  dressy  than  in  other  parts  of  the 
county" ;  while  the  writer  remembers  the  remark  fre- 
quently made  by  Squire  Len  F.  Woodside  just  after 
the  War  between  the  States :  "Yes,  sir,  the  Petersons 
don't  send  to  Paris,  but  to  Alexandria,  for  the  latest 
fashions  with  which  to  illustrate  their  magazine." 

But  Dr.  Wright's  daybook  indicates  that  his  stock 
was  full  enough  for  a  village  store.     It  also  indicates 

51 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

that  his  patrons  bought  on  time ;  moreover,  there  is 
not  an  item  charged  at  five  cents.  Joshua  Bratten  is 
charged  twenty-five  cents  for  half  a  pound  of  pow- 
der; Col.  Abe  Overall,  $2  for  eight  pounds  of  cofifee 
and  12  cents  a  pound  for  sugar;  Hariette  C.  Roul- 
stone,  43  cents  for  two  yards  of  "apron  checks" ; 
Thomas  Cameron,  75  cents  for  three  yards  of  domes- 
tic; David  L.  Ray,  $1.50  for  three  yards  of  calico; 
Leonard  Lamberson,  62^  cents  for  a  fourth  of  a 
pound  of  tea;  John  R.  Dougherty,  62V2  cents  for  a 
pound  of  raisins;  E.  Wright,  12  cents  for  two  dozen 
eggs ;  John  M.  Leake,  $1  for  a  bandanna  handker- 
chief; Irving  Gray  (hatter),  $2.50  for  six  yards  of 
caHco;  Jacob  Overall,  12  cents  for  two  gimlets;  Little- 
berry  Vick,  $5.75  for  twenty-three  yards  of  home- 
spun ;  Louis  Y.  Davis,  25  cents  for  two  pounds  of 
"homemade"  (maple)  sugar;  Col.  Abe  Overall,  $7.50 
for  a  mill  saw  (probably  the  straight  sort)  ;  Elizabeth 
Overall,  $2.25  for  a  cotton  umbrella,  "to  be  paid  for 
in  brown  jeans" ;  Liberty  Lodge,  No.  yy,  "to  cash  to 
pay  postage,  63^2  cents" ;  William  Blair,  two  reap 
hooks,  $1.50;  Asia  Cooper,  one  dozen  button  molds, 
6y2  cents,  and  one  paper  of  tacks,  i8j<2  cents ;  W.  B. 
Stokes,  four  pounds  of  nails,  50  cents ;  W.  G.  Stokes, 
one  drab  hat,  $8.50,  one  cravat  stiffening,  12^  cents, 
and  one  vial  oil  of  cinnamon,  25  cents  ;  Bartimeus  Pack, 
one  hymn  book,  75  cents ;  Richard  Arnold,  one  fur 
hat,  $6.  Calico  was  worth  50  cents  the  yard ;  nutmegs, 
6^  cents  each.  A  lady  is  charged  87J/2  cents  for 
three  and  a  half  yards  of  domestic  and  60  cents  for  a 
pair  of  cotton  hose,    T.  W.  Duncan  buys  a  dozen  gun 

52 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

flints  for  63^2  cents,  and  John  Canler  a  paper  of  ink 
powder  for  18^  cents.  James  B.  Pistole  is  charged 
$8  for  "one  Tom  and  Jerry  hat" ;  WilHam  C.  Garrison, 
$3  "for  Webster's  speeches" ;  Wilham  B.  Stokes,  62^ 
cents  for  "one  piano  song";  L.  H.  Bethel,  37^  cents 
to  pay  postage;  Thomas  E.  Bratten,  75  cents  for  a 
gallon  of  molasses.  There  is  a  charge  of  $1.20  for 
four  pounds  of  loaf  sugar.  Loaf  sugar  was  in  coni- 
cal packages  and  came  ready  wrapped  in  dark-blue 
paper.  Somewhat  pathetic  is  this  charge  of  eighty- 
two  years  ago,  "Two  boys'  balls,  6^  cents,"  for  one 
cannot  help  wondering  what  came  of  the  boy  or  boys. 
A  farmer  is  credited  $2  for  twenty-four  and  a  half 
pounds  of  butter  and  another  $2.16^  for  six  and  a 
half  pounds  of  wool. 

The  leghorn  hat  was  fashionable  then  and  later. 
Was  it  also  called  a  "poke"  bonnet?  A  writer  in  the 
Liberty  Herald  in  1892  stated  that  the  "leghorn  bon- 
nets were  a  foot  and  a  half  long,  more  or  less,  with- 
out any  artificials,  simply  a  plain  ribbon  drawn  across 
the  top  and  tied  under  the  chin." 

The  Dunstable  bonnet  was  much  in  vogue.  One  is 
charged  in  the  following  bill  to  Miss  Elizabeth  O. 
Hall:  "One  Dunstable  bonnet  and  trimmings,  $6;  six 
yards  blk.  silk,  $6;  seven  yards  calico,  $3.50;  pair 
side  combs,  12^/2  cents;  one  best  fancy  handkerchief, 
$2 ;  twelve  strands  beads,  87 ^^  cents ;  one  black  bobbi- 
net  veil,  $2.50;  one  black  bandanna  handkerchief,  $1 ; 
two  and  a  half  yards  bobbinet  lace,  $i.56>^." 

Among  the  products  of  the  farm  in  1832-33  were 
cheese  and  flax  seed.     David  Griffith's  account  was 

53 


History     of     DeKalb     Cou.nty 

credited  with  62)^  cents  for  one  and  a  quarter  pounds 
flax  seed ;  and  at  the  time  Jordan  Sellars  was  charged 
$9  for  "one  fine  fur  hat,"  he  was  credited  with  85  cents 
for  eight  and  a  half  pounds  of  cheese. 

Since  Isaac  Whaley's  reference  to  the  clothing  worn 
by  the  foreparents  has  been  introduced  in  this  chap- 
ter, it  will  be  only  a  second  digression  to  quote  the 
words  of  an  old  DeKalb  Countian  who  wrote  from 
Missouri  to  the  Liberty  Herald  April  6,  1892,  of 
before-the-war  days : 

For  Sunday  many  of  the  well-to-do  men  wore  a  blue  or 
black  broadcloth  coat  which  cost  from  four  to  ten  dollars  a 
yard.  They  were  usually  cut  with  a  frock  or  "claw-hammer" 
tail  and  rolling  collar.  The  black  and  white  satin  vest,  double- 
breasted,  was  worn  by  the  fashionable.  Pants  were  made 
very  loose  and  had  wide  or  narrow  flaps  before,  invariably. 
A  black  silk  cravat,  doubled  crosswise,  was  worn  around  a 
collar  of  uncertain  dimensions.  The  dress  described  was 
worn  by  the  fashionable,  such  as  Eli  Vick,  Jasper  Ruyle, 
Pete  Adams,  Len  Walker,  Joseph  Clarke,  Peter  Clark,  and 
others  on  Sunday.  Later  Dr.  Horace  Sneed,  Dr.  J.  S. 
Harrison,  the  Hayes  boys,  the  Turners,  and  the  Turneys  were 
the  leaders  in  fashion.  Many  women  sometimes  wore  silk 
dresses — not  gaudy-colored,  but  plain  black  silk.  A  calico 
dress  was  seldom  seen.  Nearly  all  dresses  were  made  with 
two  widths  of  cloth  and  a  gore  on  each  side.  Hoop  skirts 
were  as  rare  among  women  as  drawers  among  men.  All 
young  women  wore  their  dresses  fastened  behind.  No  such 
institution  as  a  corset  was  thought  of.  The  hair  was  usually 
parted  in  the  middle,  a  strip  bent  around  each  car,  and  wound 
up  with  a  large  horn  comb  at  the  back  of  the  head. 

The  people  did  much  trading  by  exchanging  one 
commodity  for  another.  The  amount  of  money  in 
circulation  mu.st  have  been  negligible.     For  instance, 

54 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

this  note  was  made  by  Colonel  Overall,  who  was  not 
poor,  but  ow^ned  perhaps  twenty-five  hundred  acres  of 
land,  a  score  of  slaves,  a  mill,  cotton  gin,  and  distillery : 
"The  amount  of  money  that  I  have  spent  since  the 
26th  of  August,  1844:  September  10,  $1;  September 
18,  50  cents;  September  20,  50  cents;  October  i,  $1 ; 
October  20,  $2;  October  25,  45  cents;  November  9, 
50  cents ;  December  6,  $5." 

Life  was  "slow"  compared  with  this  age  that  goes 
the  pace  that  kills,  but  it  had  its  advantages.  One 
worth  $10,000  or  $12,000  was  in  easy  circumstances. 
With  his  slaves,  abundant  crops,  and  loaded  tables,  he 
made  a  social  impression  that  is  not  now  made  with 
thrice  that  amount.  He  had  time  to  read ;  he  indulged 
in  hospitality;  and,  free  from  business  cares,  behind 
his  grave  demeanor  lurked  a  trace  of  humor  tragically 
absent  from  the  countenances  of  the  nervous  men  of 
the  present. 

55 


CHAPTER  VI. 
Relating  to  Education. 

We  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  old  field  tutors 
who  for  poor  pay  labored  in  the  cause  of  mental  and 
moral  attainment  when  we  had  no  adequate  public 
school  law.  Of  course  there  were  many  instances  in 
the  county  where  parents  were  able  to  send  their  chil- 
dren to  schools  where  the  advantages  were  greater. 
James  Givan,  speaking  for  the  Clear  Fork  country, 
has  said:  "The  settlers  from  Virginia — they  were 
called  the  upper  ten  by  their  neighbors — in  some  in- 
stances sent  their  children  back  to  the  Old  Dominion 
for  schooling  or  to  well-established  boarding  schools," 
But  the  old  field  teacher  was  the  main  reliance  of  the 
masses. 

Dr.  T.  W.  Wood,  who  was  reared  in  Cannon  County 
and  who  is  past  threescore  and  ten,  says:  "I  have 
heard  my  father  speak  of  having  studied  Dillworth's 
speller  and  Johnson's  dictionary.  I  used  Webster's 
speller  (which  has  never  been  surpassed),  Kirkham's 
grammar,  McGuffey's  reader,  Smiley's  arithmetic, 
Walker's  dictionary,  Davies's  algebra,  and  Mitchell's 
geography  and  arithmetic."  Dr.  Wood  adds:  "It  was 
nothing  uncommon  for  free  schools  to  last  only  six 
weeks  or  two  months.  Teachers  were  paid  from  $20 
to  $30  per  month,  frequently  holding  forth  in  log 
cabins  with  dirt  floors  and  wooden  benches  without 
backs.  The  writing  desk  consisted  of  a  broad  plank 
attached  to  the  wall.  More  attention  was  paid  to 
penmanship,    reading,    spelling,   and    arithmetic   than 

56 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

to-day.    The  true  basis  of  education  is  more  neglected 
now  than  then."    John  K.  Bain  wrote  in  his  eighty- 
seventh  year:  "From  1836  to  1842,  or  later,  there  were 
no  free  schools  in  my  section — all  subscription.     The 
teacher  took  his  seat  and  made  each  scholar  stand  be- 
side him  to  say  his  lesson.     He  kept  a  long  switch, 
fully  four  feet,  sticking  up  over  the  door.    There  were 
no  classes.     The  books  used  were  Webster's  speller, 
Smiley's  arithmetic,  McGuffey's  readers,  and  geogra- 
phy.   One  of  my  teachers  was  Glasgow  Harper,  who 
finally  became  a  Methodist  preacher  and  moved  down 
near  Liberty  or  on  Smith's  Fork."     Dr.  J.  B.  Foster 
gave  this  information  in  1914:  "The  schoolbooks  sixty 
and  seventy  years  ago  were  Webster's  speller    (my 
copy,  however,  was  yellow,  not  blue,  and  I  recall  hav- 
ing written  on  the  inside  'bird  foster'),  McGuffey's 
readers,  Smith's  grammar  at  Liberty  and  Kirkham's 
at   Smithville,    Smiley's   and   Pike's   arithmetics,   and 
Olney's  geography.    There  were  others  for  advanced 
pupils.     At   all   old   field   schools    two  pupils   would 
choose  spellers  and  have  a  'spelling  battle'  on  Friday 
afternoons.    When  a  pupil  wanted  to  'go  out'  in  some 
instances  he   (to  keep  tab)   had  to  carry  a  crooked 
stick,  and  on  his  return  he  hung  it  back  on  a  nail  in 
the  wall.    The  presence  of  the  stick  meant  'all  are  in ; 
now  you  can  go  out.'     It  was   a  sort  of  passport. 
Blackboards  were  not  then  in  use.    Big  and  little  were 
whipped  when  the  teacher  thought  they  needed  chas- 
tisement.    The   pupil   who   reached   the   schoolhouse 
first  'said'  his  lesson  first;  'recite'  was  not  used.     At 
the  writing  hour  the  girls  practiced  first  and  then  the 

57 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

boys.  Goose  quill  pens  were  common.  Vials  took  the 
place  of  inkstands.  In  each  was  a  piece  of  cotton, 
holding  the  absorbed  ink  in  case  the  bottle  was  turned 
over,  and  when  not  in  use  the  bottles  were  suspended 
on  nails  by  strings.  The  larger  pupils  were  allowed 
to  sit  outside  and  'cipher,'  study  grammar,  and  the  like. 
Boys  and  girls  did  not  play  together,  and  young  teach- 
ers were  partial  to  boys  who  had  pretty  sisters." 

Corporal  punishment  was  indeed  in  vogue.  Often 
it  was  severe,  even  for  some  years  after  the  close  of 
the  War  between  the  States.  Sometimes  as  effective  a 
punishment  as  could  be  administered  was  to  make  a 
mischievous  lad  sit  beside  a  girl.  Thus  exposed  to 
gaze,  he  was  the  pink  victim  of  snickering  playmates. 
Doubtless  that  course  would  not  embarrass  young 
America  to-day. 

Geographies  being  scarce,  once  a  day,  usually  late 
in  the  afternoon,  the  entire  school  stood  against  the 
walls  and  "sang  geography,"  the  teacher  leading. 
Nations  or  States  with  the  capitals  and  the  names  and 
height  of  mountains  were  the  main  things  learned  in 
this  way.  The  chanting  would  run  somewhat  thus: 
"Ar-kan-sas,  Ar-kan-sas — Little  Rock,  Little  Rock ;" 
or,  "Copenhagen,  Copenhagen — Denmark,  Denmark." 

School  hours  were  from  sunrise  to  sunset,  with  a 
"recess"  in  both  forenoon  and  afternoon,  and  "play- 
time" took  up  an  hour  in  the  middle  of  the  day.  The 
lunch  brought  by  children  to  be  eaten  during  recess 
was  called  "recess,"  not  "snack"  or  lunch.  The  games 
played  were  town  ball,  bull  pen,  Ant'ny-over,  marbles, 
knucks,  and  fox  chase.    The  favorite  relaxation  of  the 

58 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


girls  was  jumping  the  rope.  From  time  out  of  mind 
the  shouting  of  "school  butter"  by  a  passer-by  was 
resented  by  the  pupils  and  maybe  the  teacher.  Chief 
Justice  John  Marshall  was  now  and  then,  he  tells  us, 
chased  for  uttering  the  challenge  and  could  not  ex- 
plain why  it  caused  resentment  or  how  it  originated. 
Recently  through  the  Nashville  Banner  a  Tennessee 
lady  has  said  that  "school  butter"  is  a  corruption  of 
the  taunt,  "the  school's  better" — that  is,  the  school's 
superior.  If  caught,  the  challenger  was  ducked  in  the 
nearest  stream  or  mudhole  and  punished  for  his 
temerity. 

The  writer  was  a  pupil  of  these  first  schools.  Often, 
when  among  new  friends  in  his  experiences  in  the 
daily  journalism  of  various  cities,  he  has  forgotten 
them  and  thought  of  his  boyhood  playmates.  His  af- 
fection for  the  latter  was  on  one  occasion  expressed 
in  the  following  lines,  which,  if  not  of  historical  inter- 
est, may  yet  appeal  to  survivors  of  the  old  times : 

The  time  for  cakes  and  ale  is  gone  for  us  of  grizzled  hair- 
But  that  can't  make  our  hearts  forget  how  old  school  days 

shone  fair. 
Outside  the  house— the  waving  woods  where  rose  the  brown 

bees'  hum, 
And  the  wild  roses  that  appeared  dead  lovers'  vows  in  bloom ; 
Within — the   boys    in   homespun    suits,   the   teacher's   mighty 

frowns, 
And  girls,  though  plainly  dressed,  as  plump  as  those  in  silken 

gowns. 
And  Zekle  Moore  and  Abner  Smith,  Sue  Brown  and  Mary 

Strong! 
Your  plain,  old-fashioned  names  are  fit  to  grace  the  sweetest 

song. 

59 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Where  are  you,  tow-head  boys  who  felt  each  day  the  birchen 

rod, 
And  knew  how  well  to  place  the  pin  and  aim  the  paper  wad? 
Where  are  the  girls  on  whom  back  there  we  cast  admiring 

eyes — 
Whose  smiles  brought  back  to  earth  once  more  some  hints  of 

Paradise? 
Old  time  has  been  as  rough  with  them  no  doubt  as  with  us 

blades, 
And   some   are    fat-and-forty   dames   and    some   perhaps   old 

maids !     .    .     . 
But  there  was  one  of  pleasant  mien  I  think  of  oft  and  long 
And  wish  she  knew  a  thought  of  her  throbs  through  this  little 

song. 

In  all  probability  the  earliest  school  in  DeKalb 
County  was  taught  at  Liberty.  Among  the  early 
teachers  there  were  a  Mr.  Chambers  and  William 
Gay.  Their  names  recur  more  persistently  to  the  older 
people  than  others  of  the  ante-bellum  years.  The  lat- 
ter married  a  daughter  of  the  merchant,  Seth  Whaley, 
and  is  described  by  Dr.  Foster  as  having  "two  or  three 
fingers  missing  from  one  hand  and  parting  his  hair 
in  the  middle."  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gay  removed  to  Mis- 
souri. Mrs.  Rachel  Payne,  as  will  be  seen  elsewhere, 
says  that  Mr.  Chambers  was  the  first  to  keep  school  in 
the  first  specially  erected  schoolhouse,  the  long  one- 
story  frame  building  which  stood  from  about  1843  to 
some  time  during  the  war,  when  it  was  torn  down  by 
order  of  Col.  William  B.  Stokes  and  the  lumber  used 
for  making  cabins  for  the  officers  of  his  regiment  about 
the  stockade,  northwest  of  the  Methodist  church. 

Richard  Carroll,  a  lame  pedagogue,  came  from 
Smith  County  with  Frederick  Jones,  tailor  and  tavern 

60 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


keeper.  John  Collins,  who  also  may  have  taught  at 
Alexandria,  was  for  a  while  in  charge  of  a  school  at 
Liberty.  Writes  Dr.  Foster:  "Collins  and  C.  G.  O. 
Smith  were  teachers  who  occasionally  imbibed — kept 
intoxicants  hid  out."  Among  other  ante-bellum  teach- 
ers were  Professor  Crane,  who  married  Miss  Amanda 
Seay  and  who,  being  Northern-born,  returned  to  In- 
diana during  the  secession  excitement,  C.  W.  L.  Hale, 
W.  D.  G.  Carnes,  and  Roland  Foster.  This  writer 
started  out  during  Mr.  Foster's  time  to  lay  the  founda- 
tion of  an  education,  being  very  small,  tow-headed, 
and  bare  of  feet.  Reaching  the  door  with  his  brother 
Horace  that  summer  morning,  he  espied  Billy  Gothard 
sitting  astride  one  stove  and  George  Smith  astride  the 
other.  They  were  being  punished  thus  for  some  mis- 
chief. This  startled  him,  and  he  shot  under  the  house, 
where  he  remained  long  enough  to  devour  his  "recess," 
and  then  took  to  his  heels  in  the  direction  of  home. 

Dr.  Foster  refers  further  to  teachers  at  Liberty 
prior  to  1851,  naming  Joseph  Ferryman,  A.  M.  Jones, 
Robert  Yeargin,  and  Mr.  Woodward.  The  last  named 
remained  only  a  short  while. 

The  writer  recalls  these  later  teachers :  W.  D.  G. 
Carnes,  John  Truitt,  Miss  Cynthia  Fuston,  Miss  Hat- 
tie  Woodside,  Mrs.  Thomas  Adamson  (from  Iowa), 
Rev.  D.  P.  Searcy,  John  F.  Roy,  Horace  M.  Hale,  Miss 
Callie  Sneed,  W.  D.  Gold,  Miss  Sallie  Coward,  W.  A. 
Barger,  John  Bryan,  Miss  Amelia  Bryan,  Hood  and 
Baker  (from  the  North),  Jones  and  Renick,  Mr. 
Friece  (from  the  North),  Rev.  James  Turner,  Thomas 
Turner.  Professor  Paschal,  Miss  Stevens,  S.  B.  Sher- 

61 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

rill,  Alona  Gossett,  Robert  Smithson,  Professor  Rose, 
Professor  Crewes,  E.  W.  Brown,  J.  H.  Killman,  and 
Matt  Bratten.  The  teachers  in  1914  were:  Horace  L. 
Smith,  principal ;  Misses  Gene  Crowley  and  Bessie 
Saunders,  assistants ;  and  Miss  Mildred  Mathis,  music 
teacher. 

It  is  believed  that  the  first  building  put  to  educa- 
tional purposes  was  the  old  log  church,  Salem,  then 
the  new  frame  which  took  its  place.  After  the  war  of 
1861-65,  the  latter  was  again  used;  so  was  the  Meth- 
odist church ;  and  Miss  Cynthia  Fuston  kept  school 
awhile  in  a  log  cabin  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  village. 
In  1869  the  Masonic  Academy  was  erected,  the  first 
teachers  being  H.  M.  Hale,  principal,  and  Miss  Gallic 
Sneed,  assistant.  In  the  present  decade  the  high 
school  building  was  erected. 

It  should  be  stated  that  shortly  after  Masonic  Acade- 
my was  built  differences  arose  between  some  of  the 
patrons  as  to  how  the  common  school  fund  should  be 
managed.  As  a  result  another  house,  William  Black- 
burn leading,  was  put  up  near  the  pioneer  graveyard 
north  of  the  village.  A  few  sessions  were  held  in  it, 
when  it  fell  into  disuse. 


Old  residents  of  Alexandria  think  that  the  first 
school  kept  there  was  by  Wyley  Reynolds  in  a  log 
house  about  1820.  Persons  who  remember  him  say 
that  he  was  above  the  average  as  an  instructor.  Later 
in  a  frame  house  John  Collins  taught  the  young  idea 
how  to  shoot.  A  frame  building  was  about  1840  espe- 
cially erected  for  educational  purposes.     According  to 

62 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


Goodspeed's  history,  Masonic  Academy  followed  in 
1856,  and  in  1858  Lawrence  College.  The  two  latter, 
attractive  and  substantial  structures,  gave  evidence  of 
the  people's  love  of  learning,  and  in  their  time  turned 
out  many  well-informed  men  and  cultured  women. 

Prior  to  the  great  war  subscription  schools  were 
also  taught  by  Miss  Bettie  Minor,  Miss  Mary  Morti- 
mer, and  Mrs.  Susan  Bryant. 

Other  teachers  besides  Reynolds  and  Collins  have 
been:  John  Ogden,  Thomas  Bunday,  William  Rust, 
Frank  Smith,  Messrs.  Pirkey,  Joy,  IMcKnight,  and 
William  Hi  Smith,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sawyer,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Blackington,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
IMagoffin,  James  Turner,  Thomas  Eastes,  H.  L.  W. 
Gross,  INIrs.  T.  L.  Gold,  J.  L.  Boon,  and  others.  Pro- 
fessor Boon  was  in  charge  in  1914,  his  assistants  being 
Misses  Odom,  Lucas,  and  Coles. 


Very  little  is  known  relative  to  early  Smithville 
schools  of  the  old  field  variety,  but  there  were  such. 
Dr.  Foster  recalls  the  following,  who  taught  after 
1851 :  William  Eastham,  Thomas  Bunday,  William 
Dawson,  and  Mr.  Moore. 

In  1838  Fulton  Academy  was  chartered.  This,  a 
commodious  brick  building,  became  famous  locally 
within  a  few  years  for  its  able  instructors.  The  trus- 
tees of  the  institution  were  Thomas  Durham,  Moses 
Pedigo,  Samuel  Allen,  Martin  Phillips,  and  Bernard 
Richardson.  The  following  taught  in  the  academy: 
William  Hi  Smith,  of  Williamson  County;  H.  G. 
Hampton,  of  Franklin  Countv ;  Mr.  Bentley,  of  Maurv 

63 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

County;  John  F.  Moore,  of  Vermont;  R.  F.  Sanders 
and  J.  J.  and  W.  R.  Smith.  About  1880-81  Pure 
Fountain  College  was  erected.  It  was  three  stories 
and  cost  about  $12,000.  It  was  burned,  and  a  build- 
ing of  two  stories  took  its  place.  One  of  the  teachers 
at  Pure  Fountain  College  was  Prof.  T.  B.  Kelley,  of 
Maury  County.    He  took  charge  in  1883. 

A  noted  ante-bellum  school  was  Union  Institute,  a 
mile  and  a  half  out  on  the  Sparta  road.  ]\[r.  Ghorms- 
ley,  who  established  it,  was  a  minister  of  the  Oiristian 
Church  and  a  thorough  instructor.  He  finally  engaged 
in  horse-trading,  driving  the  animals  south.  Becom- 
ing bankrupt,  he  left  the  country. 

Names  of  present  tutors :  J.  S.  Wood,  A.  Colvert, 
Miss  Ocie  Powers,  Miss  Janie  Miller,  and  Mrs.  Oma 
Foster,  teacher  of  music. 

In  the  sketches  of  Temperance  Hall,  Dowelltown, 
Laural  Hill,  and  Forks-of-the-Pike  will  be  found  edu- 
cational notes  as  to  those  sections.  These  names 
should  be  added  to  the  list  of  men  and  women  who 
have  taught  in  the  county  at  one  time  or  another :  W. 
G.  Crowley,  Mrs.  Peter  Adams,  Miss  Lizzie  Simpson, 
Alex  Robinson,  his  son  William,  Milton  Ward,  Robert 
C.  Nesmith,  Glasgow  Harper,  Terry  Trapp,  Mr.  Whit- 
lock  (of  Dismal  Creek),  Uncle  Johnnie  Sneed,  James 
A.  Nesmith,  H.  C.  Givan,  Dan  Williams,  and  H.  L. 
Overall. 

The  following  have  been  Superintendents  of  Public 
Instruction :  Terry  Trapp,  who  served  from  the  or- 
ganization of  the  free  school  system  until  1880,  when 
he  was  succeeded  bv    I.   W.   Overall ;  Alvin   Avant, 

64 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

1881;  Dick  Goodson,  1887;  AI.  T.  Martin,  1889;  E. 
W.  Brown,  1891 ;  W.  J.  Gothard,  1895 ;  J.  E.  Drake, 
1899;  R.  H.  Lankford,  1903;  Martha  Robinson,  1907; 
J.  S.  Woods,  1909;  J.  F.  Caplinger,  1913. 

The  Board  of  Education  for  1914  selected  teachers 
for  the  schools  of  the  county  as  follows : 

Upper  Helton,  Richard  McGinness;  New  Hope, 
Wiley  Dinkins. 

Green  Hill,  Otis  Turney;  Goggin  School,  Gertrude 
Wilson ;  Pea  Ridge,  C.  H.  Vickers  and  Harrison  Ash- 
ford;  Adamson's  Branch,  Tommy  Cripps. 

Possum  Hollow,  Robert  Fuson;  Church  School, 
Miss  Hattie  Sanders;  Cripps'  School,  V.  R.  Fuson 
and  Miss  Hildah  Fuson ;  George  School,  Less  Fuson ; 
Crossroads,  Floice  Vickers  and  Virgil  Gilreath,  co- 
principals. 

Helton,  Howard  Hobson,  principal;  Miss  Corinne 
McNelly,  assistant. 

Pisgah,  Mack  Reynolds ;  Capling,  Mrs.  Carrie 
Jones ;  Bluff  School,  C.  A.  Malone. 

Four  Comers,  Miss  Willie  Bell,  principal ;  assistant 
to  be  supplied. 

Temperance  Hall,  Leroy  Smith  (principal).  Miss 
Stella  Young  (assistant)  ;  Cove  Hollow,  Claude  Chris- 
tian ;  Long  Branch,  L.  L.  Braswell ;  colored  school, 
Lizzie  Stokes. 

Bethel  House,  Grady  Kelley ;  Walker's  Creek,  Hugh 
Robinson. 

Cooper's  Chapel,  M.  C.  Bratten  (principal).  Miss 
Mai  Robinson  (assistant)  ;  Dowelltown,  Starnes  and 
5  65 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Malone ;   June    Bug,    Robert   White :   colored   school, 
Maggie  Talley. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  pay  of  the  teachers  be  the 
same  as  for  191 3,  which  was  for  secondary  schools, 
$45 ;  primary,  $40,  excepting  Bethel,  Green  Hill,  Gog- 
gin,  Mud  College,  Jones  House,  Rock  Castle,  and  Dale 
Ridge,  which  were  placed  at  $35.  The  salary  of  as- 
sistant teachers  was  $30  for  teachers  with  experience 
and  $25  per  month  for  the  new  ones.  Colored  teach- 
ers receive  $30  per  month. 

In  1823  the  first  public  school  law  in  the  State  was 
passed,  providing  for  the  application  of  public  funds 
to  establish  "poor  schools"  or  to  pay  the  tuition  of 
poor  children  in  other  schools.  From  this  is  dated  the 
long-time  prejudice  against  public  schools,  which  were 
called  "poor  schools"  down  to  recent  times.  The  first 
efficient  system  became  a  law  in  1867;  while  the  pres- 
ent system,  which  has  been  added  to  and  strengthened 
from  time  to  time,  was  instituted  in  1873. 

66 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Religious  History. 

The  first  ministers  to  locate  in  Tennessee  were : 
Samuel  Doak,  Presbyterian,  who  also  established  the 
earliest  school ;  Tidence  Lane,  Baptist,  who  arrived 
almost  as  early  as  Doak,  about  1780;  and  Jeremiah 
Lambert,  Methodist,  who  came  in  1783.  Rev.  Charles 
Cummings,  Presbyterian,  often  visited  the  East  Ten- 
nessee settlers  before  the  coming  of  any  of  the  afore- 
mentioned, but  he  resided  at  x*\bingdon,  or  Wolf  Hills, 
Va.  In  1810  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church 
was  organized  in  Dickson  County.  The  Lutherans 
formed  an  organization  in  1825,  the  Christians  in  1826, 
the  Episcopalians  in  1827,  and  the  Catholics  in  1830. 

It  is  probable  that  the  earliest  church  in  DeKalb 
County  was  erected  by  the  Baptists  of  Liberty.  In 
Grime's  history  of  Middle  Tennessee  Baptists  it  is 
said  that  Cantrell  Bethel,  born  in  Maryland  December 
17'  I779>  and  died  near  Liberty  October-  22,  1848. 
came  with  the  colony  that  "marked  the  establishing  of 
the  first  town  in  Tennessee  between  Nashville  and  the 
Cumberland  Mountains"  and  settled  half  a  mile  west 
of  Liberty.  Not  long  afterwards  he  became  con- 
verted; and  as  there  were  no  Baptists  in  that  section, 
he  joined  Union  Church,  in  Warren  County,  Ky.  On 
his  return  from  Kentucky  he  began  his  ministr}'. 
gathered  a  band  of  his  faith  at  the  present  Brush 
Creek,  in  Smith  County,  and  constituted  a  Church 
there  May  29,  1802 ;  and  then,  securing  an  "arm"  from 

67 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Brush  Creek  at  Liberty,  established  Salem  Church  at 
the  latter  place  in  August,  1809,  becoming  the  elder 
or  pastor. 

But  an  even  earlier  preacher  who  became  promi- 
nent in  the  Baptist  Church  was  Rev.  John  Fite.  He 
also  located  west  of  Liberty.  He  was  born  in  Mary- 
land in  1758  or  1759  and  was  a  Presbyterian  minister 
when  he  came  to  this  section.  Becoming  a  Baptist 
preacher  in  1812,  he  died  near  Liberty  February  18, 
1852.  Elder  Fite  was  the  father  of  Moses  and  Henry 
Fite,  also  grandfather  of  James,  Robert,  and  Thomas 
Fite,  who  are  yet  living  in  other  States  and  maintain- 
ing the  prestige  of  high  citizenship  established  by  their 
ancestors. 

Salem  Baptist  Church,  at  Liberty,  was  constituted 
an  independent  body  in  August,  1809,  with  thirty-one 
members.  The  first  building  was  of  logs  and  v.as  25  by 
30  feet.  About  1849  a  frame  building  took  its  place, 
and  this  in  turn  was  replaced  by  the  present  frame 
structure,  40  by  70  feet,  about  1880.  The  member- 
ship has  been  large  in  recent  years,  numbering  three 
hundred  and  twenty-one  in  1902.  Pastors:  Cantrell 
Bethel,  1809-37  (William  Dale  supplying  a  part  of 
this  period  while  Bethel  was  on  a  missionary  tour)  ; 
Joshua  Lester,  1837-46;  Henry  Fite,  1846-47;  Na- 
thaniel Hays.  1847-68;  L.  H.  Bethel,  1868-71;  J.  W. 
Hunt,  1871-72;  J.  R.  Bowman,  1872-73;  J.  W.  Hunt 
and  J.  R.  Bowman,  1873-75;  J-  ^^-  Hunt,  1875-76: 
T.  J.  Eastes,  1876-83;  J.  M.  Stewart,  1883-86;  Wil- 
liam Simpson,  1886-87;  T.  J.  Eastes,  1887-1902;  Wil- 
liam Wauford,  1902-13;  R.  L.  Bell,  1913. 

68 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

It  may  be  well  to  name  some  of  the  early  clerks  of 
this  historic  Church:  Adam  Dale  (the  first  Liberty 
settler  and  miller),  1809-16;  William  Givan,  1816-20; 
Tilman  Bethel,  1820-50;  Seth  Whaley,  1850-51 ;  James 
Bratten,  1851-71;  J.  A.  Fite,  1871-72;  James  Allan, 
1872-78;  I.  N.  Fite,  1878-79;  L.  J.  Bratten,  1879  until 
his  death,  more  than  twenty  years.  Among  the  deacons 
were  the  following:  John  Horn,  Nehemiah  Garrison, 
William  Dale,  James  Evans,  E.  Parsons,  Joseph  Hays, 
Moses  Fite,  1822;  Henry  Fite,  Sr.,  1829;  George 
Givan,  1845  5  Seth  Whaley,  1845 ;  Thomas  Givan  and 
James  Hollands  worth,  1851 ;  James  Stark  and  Thomas 
Fite,  1871 ;  I.  N.  Fite  and  William  Robinson,  1878; 
T.  M.  Givan  and  J.  A.  Bass,  1886;  Henry  Fite,  Jr., 
1886;  F.  M.  Turner  and  J.  C.  Bass,  1889;  H.  M.  Fite 
and  J.  D.  Smith,  1891 ;  T.  G.  Bratten,  1891 ;  Horace 
Evans  and  James  Stark,  Jr.,  1897. 

Salem  has  sent  out  this  list  of  ministers :  John  Fite ; 
Nathaniel  Hays  ("Uncle  Natty")  ;  William  Dale,  1815  ; 
John  Horn,  1819;  James  Evans,  1825;  R.  Wilson, 
1819;  Henry  Fite,  1837;  Lafayette  Ferryman,  1872; 
J.  H.  \^ickers,  1881  ;  R.  E.  Smith,  1886.  The  follow- 
ing were  licensed  as  exhorters  in  the  old  days  when 
this  custom  was  in  vogue :  Jonathan  Hendrixon,  John 
Haas,  Lemuel  G.  Griffons,  William  Gossett,  Moses 
Fite,  and  others.  Among  former  elders  or  pastors, 
these  sleep  in  Salem  Cemetery :  Cantrell  Bethel,  James 
Evans  (who  died  early  from  the  kick  of  a  mule,  and 
was  said  to  have  been  the  first  adult  buried  there), 
William  Dale,  Archamac  Bass,  Nathaniel  Hays,  Henry 
Fite,  John  Fite,  and  J.  W.  Hunt. 

69 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

The  writer  recalls  a  number  of  ministers  of  the 
county  who  were  living  during  the  war  and  shortly 
afterwards  and  pauses  to  pay  them  his  tribute.  One 
was  Rev.  Nathaniel  Hays,  born  about  1807,  ordained 
to  preach  in  1846,  preached  his  first  and  last  sermon 
at  New  Hope,  and  died  October  28,  1868.  Such  was 
his  life  that  he  was  not  molested  by  either  side  during 
the  war,  though  the  antagonisms  of  that  struggle 
brought  something  like  chaos  to  the  country.  One  can 
hardly  estimate  the  good  he  accomplished  after  the 
war.  A  big  man  physically,  he  was  strong-souled  also, 
and  people  had  faith  in  him.  Hundreds  of  ex-soldiers 
listened  to  him,  forgot  heart  bitternesses,  and  took  the 
straight  and  narrow  way.  When  the  writer  dreams  of 
real  heroes  as  they  appeared  to  his  boyhood  eyes,  he 
thinks  of  Natty  Hays,  Hall  Bethel,  Moses  Fite,  and 
two  or  three  consecrated  Methodists  who  for  more 
than  a  generation  stood  unfalteringly  for  the  cause  of 
God. 

New  Hope  is  situated  south  of  Alexandria.  Rev. 
William  Dale,  who  bought  the  farm  known  in  later 
years  as  the  Eli  Rowland  place,  began  preaching  at 
Thomas  Finley's  home,  but  in  1818  established  the 
Church  with  eighteen  members.  A  building  was 
erected,  and  the  earlier  pastors  were:  William  Dale, 
W.  P.  Hughes,  Archamac  Bass,  Henry  Fite,  Nathan- 
iel Hays,  T.  J.  Eastes,  J.  C.  Brien,  J.  R.  Hearn,  J.  M. 
Stewart,  William  Simpson,  A.  C.  Webb,  J.  F.  McNabb, 
and  Stephen  Robinson. 

The  Smithville  Church  was  constituted  August  25, 
1844,  with  fourteen  members,  in  the  Methodist  church. 

70 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

A  house  of  worship  was  erected  about   1858.     The 
pastors  have  been:  Jesse  Allen,  1847-60;  Hall  Bethel, 
1860-70;  J.  C.  Brien,  1870-73;  J.  R.  Bowman,  1873- 
75;  A.  J.  McNabb,  1875-76;  T.  J.  Eastes,  1876-78;  J 
J.   Martm,   1878—;  J.  J.   Porter,  about   1880;  J.   C 
Brien,  about   1881-85;  J.  T.  Oakley,  about   1885-88 
N.  R.  Sanborn,  1889-90;  William  Simpson,  1890-91 
W.  H.  Smith,  1891-92;  J.  H.  Grime,  1893-95;  J.  T 
Oakley,  1896 — ;  and  A.  P.  Moore.     Clerks  to  1902 
J.  L.  Bond,  Abner  Witt,  P.  P.  Johnson,  J.  A.  Wilson, 
and  L.  W.  Beckwith. 

Indian  Creek  Church,  eight  miles  north  of  Smith- 
ville,  dates  back  to  1844.  First  named  Caney  Fork 
Church,  it  was  changed  to  Indian  Creek  in  1848. 
Among  its  pastors  were  Henry  Fite,  J.  C.  Brien,  Wil- 
liam Simpson,  J.  M.  Stewart,  D.  C.  Taylor,  D.  W. 
Taylor,  A.  J.  Waller,  and  W.  E.  Wauford. 

A  noted  old  log  church,  known  to  the  present  gen- 
eration only  as  a  Methodist  church,  was  Goshen,  on 
Dismal  Creek,  north  of  Liberty.  It  was  constituted  a 
Baptist  Church  in  July,  1821,  by  Cantrell  Bethel  and 
John  Fite.  Fite  was  the  only  pastor  it  ever  had,  as 
not  much  interest  was  aroused,  and  the  Church  was 
dissolved  in  1837.  From  then  on  for  years  the  Meth- 
odists controlled  the  religious  sentiment  of  the  com- 
munity. About  1879  Rev.  J.  C.  Brien  began  preaching 
in  the  neighborhood.  As  a  result  Cooper's  Chapel 
was  constituted  in  1880  with  nine  members.  J.  C. 
Brien  was  the  first  pastor.  Others  have  been:  J.  R. 
Hearn,  J.  H.  Vickers,  William  Simpson,  W.  E.  Raikes, 
A.  C.  Webb,  J.  F.   McNabb,  J.   A.   McClusky,  and 

71 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Stephen  Robinson.  The  Church  was  named  for  Isaac 
Cooper,  a  Mexican  War  and  Confederate  veteran. 
Though  a  Methodist  (but  afterwards  uniting  with  the 
Baptist  congregation),  the  erection  of  Cooper's  Chapel 
was  due  mainly  to  his  efforts. 

Mount  Zion  is  situated  near  Temperance  Hall.  With 
fourteen  members  the  Church  was  instituted  June  30, 
1 85 1,  in  an  old  schoolhouse.  Soon  after  its  constitu- 
tion Nicholas  Smith  was  received  by  letter.  He  went 
to  work  arousing  interest  in  the  need  of  a  church.  It 
was  erected  and  the  first  services  held  in  it  June,  1858. 
Pastors  to  1902 :  Henry  Fite,  Nathaniel  Hays,  J.  C. 
Brien,  T.  J.  Eastes,  S.  S.  Hale,  William  Simpson,  J. 
M.  Steward,  A.  C.  Webb,  J.  F.  McNabb,  and  W.  E. 
Wauford.  Clerks :  T.  P.  Jones,  W.  M.  Crowder,  Z.  P. 
Lee,  R.  W.  Mason,  A.  P.  Smith,  W.  A.  Washer,  H.  A. 
Hill,  S.  M.  Williams,  E.  L.  Lawrence,  T.  D.  Oakley, 
and  L.  C.  Martin. 

Until  recent  years  the  only  Churches  in  Alexandria 
were  the  Methodist,  Christian,  and  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian, the  first  two  having  been  established  prior  to 
the  War  between  the  States.  As  the  result  of  a  doc- 
trinal debate  in  the  town  in  January,  1887,  between 
Elder  Moody,  Baptist,  and  Dr.  T.  W,  Brents,  Chris- 
tian, the  Baptist  citizens  resolved  to  organize.  This 
was  done  during  the  month  of  the  debate,  and  in  time 
a  neat  and  commodious  church  was  erected.  This  was 
destroyed  by  lightning  some  years  later,  but  in  1914  a 
new  and  handsome  structure  was  built  on  the  ruins. 
Some  of  the  pastors  have  been :  J.  B.  Moody,  at  one 
time  editor  of  the  Baptist  Reflector,  N.  R.  Sanborn, 

72 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

W.  H.  Smith,  J.  B.  Fletcher,  Rutherford  Brett,  T.  J. 
Hastes,  and  R.  L.  Bell  Early  clerks:  J.  A.  Walker, 
J.  M.  Walker,  C.  E.  Bailiff,  and  C.  B.  Bailiff.  Deacons 
in  the  first  years :  L.  E.  Jones,  Isaac  Cooper,  Levi 
Foutch,  J.  H.  Snoddy,  H.  H.  Jones,  A.  P,  Smith,  G. 
A.  Measle,  Samuel  McMillan,  J.  A.  Walker,  J.  S. 
Rowland,  and  James  Stark.  Livingston  Tubb  is  the 
present  clerk. 

Dry  Creek  Church  was  organized  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  J.  M.  Stewart  and  J.  H.  Vickers 
"near  a  straw  stack  in  Dr.  J.  A.  Fuson's  lot,"  says 
Grime.  A  neat  building  was  erected,  the  early  pastors 
having  been  J.  M.  Stewart,  William  Simpson,  J.  H. 
Davis,  J.  H.  Grime,  and  Stephen  Robinson. 

Wharton  Springs  Baptist  Church  was  constituted 
three  miles  south  of  Smith ville  in  1889  in  the  dwelling 
of  E.  B.  Allen.  Among  its  pastors  were  William 
Simpson,  J.  A.  McClusky,  J.  H.  Davis,  J,  M.  Stewart, 
and  J.  T.  Oakley. 

The  Snow's  Hill  Church  was  instituted  in  1897,  the 
following  having  been  early  pastors :  A.  J.  Waller  and 
Stephen  Robinson. 

Pastors  of  the  Dowelltown  Church,  which  was  or- 
ganized in  1894,  were:  J.  W.  Stewart,  J.  H.  Grime,  J. 
F.  McNabb,  W.  J.  Watson,  J.  H.  Whitlock,  and  W.  E. 
Wauford. 

Sycamore  Fork  Church,  having  in  1902  the  largest 
membership  of  any  in  Salem  Association,  is  on  the 
line  between  DeKalb  and  Cannon  Counties,  and  was 
instituted  through  the  efforts  of  Rev.  Henry  Bass  in 
1871.    A  house  of  worship  was  built  in  1895.    Of  the 

73 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

pastors,  these  are  recalled:  Henry  Bass,  Hall  Bethel, 
J.  R.  Hearn,  William  Simpson,  J.  H.  Grime,  G.  A. 
Ogle,  Stephen  Robinson,  and  W.  J.  Watson.  Of  pa- 
thetic interest  is  the  fact  that  one  of  the  young  min 
isters  trained  in  this  Church,  J.  T.  Hancock,  was  called 
to  its  care,  but  died  before  his  first  appointment. 

Other  Churches  are  Beech  Grove,  at  the  mouth  of 
Holm's  Creek,  established  in  1858;  Wolf  Creek,  near 
Laurel  Hill,  1846 ;  and  New  Union,  near  Frank's 
Ferry,  southeast  of  Smith ville,  1870.* 

The  Primitive,  or  "tlardshell,"  Baptists  have  a  small 
membership  in  the  county.  Of  the  two  noted 
Churches,  Bildad  and  New  Bildad,  both  south  of 
Smithville,  the  latter  is  the  most  noted.  Among  the 
well-known  Primitive  Baptist  ministers,  these  are  re- 
called :  Revs.  Isaac  Denton,  Terry  Trapp,  James  Snow, 
L.  Pope  Potter,  and  Mr.  Byers. 


In  reply  to  a  letter  of  inquiry.  Rev.  G.  L.  Beale,  Sec- 
retary of  the  Tennessee  Conference,  M.  E.  Church, 
Soutii,  writes: 

The  records  of  the  Tennessee  Conference  are  very  incom- 
plete. The  minutes  were  not  printed  prior  to  1879,  except  at 
rare  intervals.  The  written  journals  were  destroyed  by  fire 
in  the  Publishing  House  in  1871.  In  the  fall  of  1812  the  first 
Conference  appears.  That  same  year  Stones  River  Circuit 
first  appears  in  the  minutes.  Smith's  Fork  Circuit  first  ap- 
pears in   1823,  with   William  .\lgood  and  John  Rains  as  pas- 

*At  the  meeting  of  the  Central  Association  of  the  Mission- 
ary Baptist  Church  at  Trczcvant,  Tcnn.,  in  September,  1914, 
reports  showed  that  the  membership  in  the  State  (white)  was, 
in  round  numbers,  one  hundred  and  ninety-two  thousand. 

74 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

tors — no  boundaries  given.  In  1838  the  name  of  Short  Moun- 
tain Circuit  is  given,  with  J.  A.  Walkup  as  pastor  (no  bound- 
aries). I  have  no  data  by  which  I  could  tell  you  when  the 
societies  at  Liberty,  Alexandria,  or  Smithville  were  started. 
Neither  Alexandria  nor  Smithville  became  a  circuit  until 
after  the  War  between  the  States. 

In  examining  such  records  as  remain,  the  following 
preachers,  among  others,  are  named  as  having  been 
pastors  at  various  times  from  1830  to  the  war: 

Smith  Fork  Circuit:  L.  Lowery,  Jacob  Ellinger, 
John  Kelley,  Elisha  Carr,  W.  Ledbetter,  Miles  S. 
Johnston,  John  Page,  S.  Carlisle,  Abe  Overall,  N.  L. 
Norvell,  J.  T.  Sherrell,  E.  J.  Allen,  John  Bransford, 
F.  D.  Wrother,  J.  J.  Foster,  Fountain  E.  Pitts  (P.  E.), 
John  H.  Mann,  William  Jarred,  C.  Evans,  Asbury  D. 
Overall,  John  Hill,  Joseph  Willis,  Russell  Eskew,  S. 
H.  Reams,  John  Sherrell  (P.  E.),  J.  C.  Putnam,  G.  L. 
Staley,  F.  S.  Petway  (P.  E.),  J.  J.  Comer,  J.  W. 
Prichard,  J.  G.  Ray,  J.  R.  Harris.  During  the  war 
(there  were  no  Conference  sessions  in  1863-64)  :  J. 
A.  Orman,  J.  J.  Pitts,  Fletcher  Tarrant. 

Short  Mountain  Circuit:  J.  A.  Walkup,  John  H. 
Mann,  J.  B.  Hollis,  Abe  Overall,  A,  Bowen,  Isaac 
Woodward,  J.  W.  Cullom,  Joseph  Banks,  Daniel  P. 
Searcy  (in  1855-56,  afterwards  with  the  "Northern 
wing"),  J.  A.  Reams,  Carna  Freeman,  F.  S.  Petway 
(P.  E.),  T.  S.  Brown,  W.  D.  Ensey,  R.  A.  Reagan. 
During  1861  and  1863:  R.  A.  Reagan,  William  Burr 
(P.  E.),  A.  C  Matthews. 

Caney  Fork  Circuit:  W.  Deskin,  Uriah  Williams, 
Peter  Borum,  J.  D.  Winn,  Jere  Williams,  John  Kelley, 

75 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

S.  Pressley,  P.  P.  Hubbard,  Jacob  Custer,  J.  H.  Mann, 
J.  Lewis,  J.  A.  Jones,  Isaac  Woodward,  B.  F.  Fer- 
rell,  Jehu  Sherrill* 

In  1865  Rev.  U.  S.  Bates  was  appointed  to  the  Smith 
Fork  Circuit,  the  first  circuit  rider  at  Liberty  after  the 
war.  George  L.  Staley  was  presiding  elder.  In  the 
same  year  John  H.  Nichols  and  A.  H.  Reams  were  ap- 
pointed to  the  Short  Mountain  Circuit. 

No  doubt  many  of  the  before-the-war  ministers 
were  in  their  time  well  known  personally  to  the  Meth- 
odists throughout  the  county  as  well  as  over  their  par- 
ticular circuits. 

The  Tennessee  Conference  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
South,  in  October,  1914.  made  the  following  appoint- 
ments in  the  county,  with  H.  B.  Blue,  P.  E. :  Alexan- 
dria, J.  D.  Robins ;  Keltonsburg  Mission,  J.  R.  Craw- 
ford, supply;  Liberty  Circuit,  J.  B.  Estes;  Smithville 
Mission,  J.  W.  Estes. 

It  appears  certain  that  a  Methodist  society  was  or- 
ganized at  Liberty  long  prior  to  the  building  of  the 
church,  which  was  about  1825,  for  the  itinerants  often 
preached  in  the  people's  homes.  The  substantial 
church  erected  so  early  supports  this  view.  It  was 
built  by  the  pioneer  carpenters,  William  Givan,  Josey 
Evans,  and  Robert  Burton,  Maryland  people,  and  was 
about  30  by  40  feet,  two  stories,  with  a  good  bell  and 
belfry.     The  second  floor  had  a  large  opening  over 

*The  writer  may  be  pardoned  for  his  personal  interest  in 
the  ministers  of  1859.  It  was  in  June  of  that  year  that,  at 
Liberty,  his  father,  C  W.  L.  Hale,  and  Rev.  W.  J.  Hale  were 
converted. 

76 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

the  pulpit  and  altar  on  the  first  floor,  that  the  slave 
members,  who  occupied  that  floor,  might  see  and  hear 
the  minister.  The  framework  of  the  building  was  so 
stanchly  mortised  and  dovetailed  and  pegged  that 
citizens  said  it  would  not  have  come  apart  had  it  been 
blown  from  its  foundation  and  rolled  out  of  the  vil- 
lage. This  church  was  occupied  by  negro  soldiers  in 
the  war  of  1861-65,  and  when  they  left  the  hogs  and 
town  cows  appropriated  it.  Soon  after  peace  the 
Methodists  put  it  in  as  good  condition  as  possible,  and 
it  was  used  for  Church  and  school  purposes  untii 
about  1874,  when  the  present  building  was  erected. 
The  writer  recalls  the  church's  appearance  well.  The 
doors  faced  east  and  west,  and  on  the  eastern  end  of 
the  roof  comb  was  the  belfry,  a  favorite  place  for  bats 
and  owls.  The  membership  seems  never  to  have  been 
very  large ;  but,  considering  the  intolerance  which  used 
to  prevail,  it  was  "game."  Some  of  the  pulpit  orators 
of  ante-bellum  days  were  heard  in  this  old  building, 
among  them  Fountain  E.  Pitts,  J.  J.  Comer,  and  Ferdi- 
nand S.  Petway.  Dr.  Foster  wrote  in  1914 :  "Sixty  or 
sixty-five  years  ago  one  of  the  grandest  characters  I 
ever  knew  lived  in  Liberty — Stephen  Moore,  a  Meth- 
odist preacher.  He  was  goodness  personified,  and  his 
wife  was  a  worthy  companion."  In  the  same  year 
Mrs.  Polly  Youngblood,  the  oldest  inhabitant  of 
Liberty  and  the  widow  of  William  Youngblood,  said : 
"Yes,  I  ought  to  remember  Brother  Moore,  as  he  of- 
ficiated at  my  wedding."  Joseph  Banks  and  Isaac 
Woodward  (the  latter  from  Warren  County)  often 
preached  at  Liberty. 

77 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Among  the  Southern  Methodist  circuit  riders  since 
the  war  who  served  at  this  place  and  other  Churches  in 
the  county,  the  following  are  recalled  by  H.  L.  Hale: 
U.  S.  Bates,  J.  A.  Orman,  John  H.  Nichols,  W.  B. 
Lowry,  John  Allison,  W.  J.  ("Dod")  Hale,  John  G. 
Molloy,  J.  J.  Pitts,  Joseph  Webster,  Wade  Jarred,  N. 
A.  Anthony,  J.  T.  Blackwood,  G.  B.  McPeak,  I.  N. 
Napier,  Mr.  Gilbert,  J.  L.  Kellum,  Mr.  Baird,  T.  A. 
Garden,  J.  B.  McNeill,  R.  N.  Chenault,  W.  M.  Cook 
(the  pastor  in  1914).  The  presiding  elders :  J.  M.  Alli- 
son, J.  J.  Comer,  J.  W.  Cullom,  Berry  Stephens,  R.  P. 
Ransom,  J.  T.  Curry,  George  Anderson,  T.  G.  Hin- 
son,  W.  B.  Lowry,  W.  V.  Jarratt,  John  Ransom,  T.  L. 
Moody,  and  J.  T.  Blackwood. 

Among  the  old  papers  of  Jasper  Ruyle  was  found 
this  list  of  the  members  of  the  Church  just  preceding 
the  War  between  the  States :  M.  S.  West,  Lemuel 
Moore,  Katherine  Moore,  Elizabeth  Garrison,  Little- 
berry  Vick,  Rhoda  Vick,  Sarah  \'ick,  Jacob  E.  Moore\ 
Mary  Lamberson,  Christina  Smith,  Jane  Vick,  Isaac 
Whaley,  Lucinda  Evans,  Martha  Martin,  Matilda 
Bratten,  Rebecca  Yeargin,  Susan  Vantrease,  Jasper 
Ruyle,  Rebecca  Ruyle,  Mary  E.  Gossett,  E.  Jane  Vick. 
Edward  Gothard.  Josiah  Youngblood,  J.  C.  Young- 
blood,  Mary  Jane  Kersey,  Matilda  Neal,  Malinda 
Moore,  Eliza  J.  Moore,  T.  H.  W.  Richardson,  Eliza- 
beth Richardson,  Matilda  Richardson,  L.  F.  Moore, 
Amanda  Bratten,  Cynthia  D.  Sneed,  Martha  J.  Moore, 
A.  Tennie  Evans,  Sarah  Hall,  Montilius  Richardson, 
C.  W.  L.  Hale.  W.  J.  Hale,  J.  F.  Youngblood,  T.  R. 
Foster,  J.  H.  Burton,  E.  W.  Whaley,  W.  C.  Vick,  T. 

78 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


B.  Adamson,  E.  Jane  Whaley,  A.  T.  Vick,  M.  C.  Seay, 
Matilda  Burton,  B.  W.  Seay,  Mary  F.  Seay,  Ellen 
Seay,  Lydia  A.  Barkley,  James  Foster,  John  W.  Lam- 
berson,  and  Len  F.  Woodside. 

Goodspeed's  history,  published  in  1888,  says  the 
Methodists  of  Alexandria  first  had  a  log  church,  but 
a  frame  church  was  built  in  1835.  In  1885  they  put  up 
the  present  handsome  building. 

Since  the  war  of  1861-65  these,  among  other  min- 
isters, have  occupied  the  Methodist  pulpit  at  Alexan- 
dria:  B.  G.  Ferrell  (1866),  John  G.  Ray  (P.  E.),  John 

C.  Putnam,  J.  B.  Allison  (P.  E.),  W.  J.  Hale,  J.  J. 
Comer  (P.  E.),  W.  H.  Bellamy,  W.  H.  Johnson,  B. 
I\L  Stephens,  William  Doss,  G.  L.  Staley,  Z.  \V. 
Moores,  H.  S.  Lee,  T.  H.  Hinson,  B.  G.  Ferrell,  W. 
W.  Graves,  T.  L.  Moody,  R.  P.  Ransom,  J.  T.  Black- 
wood, G.  B.  McPeak,  George  L.  Beale,  B.  H.  Johnson, 
G.  W.  Nackles,  B.  F.  McNeill,  B.  H.  Jarvis,  W.  E. 
Doss. 

Relying  further  on  Goodspeed,  the  first  Methodist 
church  at  Smithville  was  built  in  1848  and  was  a  brick 
structure.  (There  was  a  Methodist  house  of  worship 
of  some  kind  in  1844.)  It  was  followed  in  1856  by 
a  frame  building.  Among  the  post-bellum  pastors 
have  been  the  following:  A.  H.  Reams,  W.  B.  Lowry, 
John  Jordan.  W.  H.  Riggon,  J.  H.  Nichols,  J.  J. 
Comer  (P.  E.),  S.  H.  Andrews,  R.  T.  McBride,  J.  F. 
Corbin.  G.  B.  McPeak.  David  G.  Ray,  E.  K.  Denton, 
C.  S.  Hensley,  E.  L.  Jones,  G.  W.  Anderson  (P.  E.), 
J.  T.  Blackwood,  Z.  W.  Moores,  L.  C.  Young,  N.  A. 
Anthony,  W.  H.  Lovell,  G.  L.  Hensley,  J.  A.  Chenault, 

79 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

J.  G.  Molloy,  H.  W.  Carter,  D.  M.  Barr,  J.  W.  Pear- 
son, J.  W.  Estes  (Smithville  and  Keltonsburg  Circuit). 

Goshen,  on  Dismal  Creek,  was  well  known  for  its 
Methodist  gatherings  before  and  after  the  war.  This 
can  be  said  also  for  Bright  Hill,  near  Smithville,  As- 
bury,  near  Liberty,  and  the  camp  ground  at  Smith- 
ville. Some  of  the  old-time  ministers  became  popular 
because  of  their  eccentricities  as  well  as  piety,  among 
them :  Mr.  Wainwright,  "Uncle"  Jakey  Hearn,  "Uncle" 
Ike  Woodward,  "Uncle"  Joe  Banks,  Elisha  Carr, 
James  Stanford,  Ben  Turner,  and  Caleb  Davis. 

Rev.  Jerry  W.  Cullom,  aged  eighty-six  years  and  the 
oldest  member  of  the  Tennessee  Conference,  writes 
June  12,  1914:  "In  1854  I  was  the  young  pastor  of 
Asbury  Church.  It  was  there  that  I  had  the  greatest 
meeting  I  ever  had  or  saw.  All  Liberty  must  have 
been  there.  Uncle  Joe  Banks,  one  of  my  local  preach- 
ers, assisted  me.  It  was  there  that  we  struck  water. 
The  year  1854  was  the  dryest  I  ever  knew.  The  ques- 
tion with  everybody  was,  'How  shall  we  get  water  for 
the  meeting?'  Some  one  discovered  a  moist  place  in 
the  sand  under  the  blufif  back  of  the  church,  and  a  few 
strokes  of  a  hoe  unearthed  a  fine  spring." 

It  should  be  explained  here  that  it  has  been  told  for 
the  truth  that  the  preacher  prayed  for  water,  and  the 
spring  was  sent  in  answer.  Mr.  Cullom  states  the 
facts,  as  he  found  the  spring.  This  stream,  we  are 
told,  is  yet  flowing. 

"Rev.  Joe  Myers,"  proceeds  Mr.  Cullom,  "declared 
fn  his  sermon  one  night  at  Asbury  that  he  saw  a  great 
ball  of  fire  enter  the  door  and  roll  over  the  congrega- 

80 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


tion ;  so  the  dear  old  Baptists  said  the  Methodists  had 
brought  water  from  the  earth  and  fire  down  from 
heaven.  There  were  over  two  hundred  conversions  on 
the  circuit  that  year,  among  whom  I  may  mention 
Judge  Robert  Cantrell  and  wife,  both  of  whom  I  bap- 
tized by  immersion  at  Smithville.  And  I  mention 
Colonel  Stokes  and  Dr.  Foster.  Stokes  was  lying 
stretched  full  length  on  the  floor  when  he  was  power- 
fully converted.  I  saw  him  in  Alexandria  after  the 
war,  when  Stokes's  Cavalry  had  become  history,  and 
we  gladly  greeted  each  other.  Years  afterwards  I  was 
sent  up  there  as  a  presiding  elder  for  four  years — 
J 87 1 -75.  Holding  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Asbury,  I 
found  Uncle  Joe  Banks  present,  and  we  had  a  great 
service.  Though  he  was  now  in  the  Northern  branch 
of  the  Church,  we  met  in  the  altar  at  the  close  of  the 
sermon  and  fell  into  each  other's  arms,  and  the  thing 
was  'catching'  all  over  the  house. 

"Abe  Overall  and  Uncle  Jakey  Hearn  often  preached 
for  me  in  1853-54.  Uncle  Abe  was  present  at  Round 
Top  when  I  performed  my  first  immersion,  and  of 
course  I  made  a  botch  of  it,  as  I  was  a  new  hand.  He 
got  a  good  deal  of  fun  out  of  my  awkwardness.  Some 
one,  speaking  of  Uncle  Jakey  Hearn's  home  con- 
veniences, said  he  could  lie  down  at  night  and  by 
pulling  a  string  lock  every  door  on  his  farm. 

"John  Savage  and  I  were  great  friends.  He  owned 
a  hotel  at  Smithville  when  I  was  pastor  and  gave  me 
a  room,  board,  and  stall  for  my  horse  free." 

In  a  second  letter  Mr.  Cullom  says :  "The  preachers 
for  Smith  Fork  Circuit  in   1854  were  Revs.  Joe  G. 
6  81 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

]\Iyers  and  Russell  Eskew.  They  were  rather  unique. 
Myers  assisted  me  in  the  Asbury  meeting.  Arch  Bain 
was  a  young  preacher  famous  for  leading  the  songs  at 
camp  meetings.  Ferdinand  S.  Petway  was  the  finest 
singer  I  ever  heard.  After  the  great  meeting  at  Asbury, 
let  me  add,  it  fell  to  my  lot  to  immerse  more  than  a 
score  of  converts  in  Smith  Fork.  Six  young  ladies 
decided  to  kneel  in  the  water  and  have  it  poured  on 
them — 'went  down  into  the  water'  and  were  baptized 
by  water  or  with  water.  Judge  Robert  Cantrell  and 
wafe  professed  at  Bright  Hill,  three  miles  from  Smith- 
ville,  and  joined  our  Church  at  Smithville  after  im- 
mersion. In  1873  or  1874  I  stood  on  the  scaflfold  and 
preached  John  Presswood's  funeral  before  the  swing- 
ofif  by  request  of  the  sheriff.  Some  eight  thousand 
people  were  present.  At  Smithville  lived  Wash  Isbell, 
a  hopeless  cripple,  but  for  many  years  he  was  county 
court  clerk.  William  Magness,  a  brother  of  Judge 
Cantrell's  wife,  was  a  prominent  merchant.  So  was 
Bob  West.  The  hotel  belonged  to  John  Savage  and 
was  conducted  by  Mr.  Stewart,  whose  wife  was  a  sis- 
ter of  M.  M.  Brien." 


In  1845  the  Methodist  Church  divided  into  the 
Southern  and  Northern  "wings."  The  latter  was  not 
represented  in  DeKalb  County  or  the  South  until  after 
the  war  of  1861-65. 

When  the  Federal  army  gained  possession  of  East 
Tennessee  many  of  the  Methodists  in  that  section  de- 
sired the  services  of  the  M.  E.  Church — that  is,  the 
Northern  wing.     In  1864  its  first  Conference  was  or- 

82 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ganized.  Soon  the  ministers  of  that  wing  were  preach- 
ing in  DeKalb.  As  a  lad  the  writer  remembers  when 
they  appeared  at  Liberty,  one  of  the  ministers  preach- 
ing being  a  Mr.  Stephens,  who  had  located  at  McMinn- 
ville.  Then  there  was  Rev.  D.  P.  Searcy,  who  had 
been  a  Southern  Methodist  prior  to  the  war.  Rev. 
Joe  Banks,  of  the  county,  also  joined  the  Northern 
wing.  It  seemed  that  it  made  more  advancement 
around  Liberty  than  elsewhere.  There  was  considera- 
ble hard  feeling  for  a  time  between  the  two  wings. 
Mr.  Searcy  located  at  Liberty,  and  shortly  he  and  his 
interesting  family  became  much  beloved  by  all  the 
neighbors.  He  was  a  son-in-law  of  Alex  Robinson,  of 
the  county. 

A  few  churches  were  established.  That  at  Dowell- 
town  was  erected  first  in  1880  and  has  been  wrecked 
twice  by  storms.  The  second  wind,  in  1913,  entirely 
demolished  it.  The  following  have  served  as  pastors 
there:  D.  P.  Searcy,  J.  N.  Turrentine,  J.  F.  Turner, 
O.  O.  Knight,  W.  B.  Rippetoe,  A.  Barnes,  J.  L. 
Chandler,  S.  L.  Clark,  W.  C.  Carter,  D.  L.  McCalebs, 
W.  P.  Banks,  T.  J.  Stricklin,  S.  H.  Creasy,  J.  R.  Con- 
ner, G.  W.  Nunally,  H.  P.  Keatherly,  D.  P.  Hart,  E. 
C.  Sanders,  and  C.  W.  Clayton. 

The  Dowelltown  Circuit  has  five  churches — i\sbury. 
Snow's  Hill,  Indian  Creek,  Fuller  Chapel,  and  Dowell- 
town— with  more  than  five  hundred  members.  Rev. 
W.  P.  Banks,  who  died  in  July,  1914,  wrote  early  in 
the  year  as  to  Asbury : 

It  is  the  oldest  church  in  this  vicinity.  The  early  settlers 
built  for  themselves  a  small,  incommodious  house  for  Church 

83 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

and  school  purposes,  and  at  an  early  date  a  Methodist  Church 
was  organized  here.  Who  the  preachers  were,  I  do  not  know. 
This  house  was  finally  burned  to  the  ground  by  an  incendiary, 
and  a  commodious  house  for  that  time  was  erected  in  its 
place.  This  house  also  was  used  for  Church  and  school  pur- 
poses. About  twenty  years  ago  the  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church  bought  the  property,  tore  down  the  old  house,  and 
erected  an  up-to-date  building,  perhaps  the  best  country  church 
in  the  county,  with  a  thriving  membership  of  one  hundred  and 
a  Sunday  school  that  has  run  more  than  fifteen  years  consecu- 
tively. The  organization  was  eflfected  by  Rev.  D.  P.  Searcy. 
Thomas  Chapman  was  the  first  to  join  and  was  followed  by 
Joe  Banks,  Jep  Williams  and  wife,  and  about  fifteen  others. 
Judge  W.  T.  Robinson  and  wife  also  joined  soon  afterwards. 

Mr.  Banks  wrote  of  others,  but  was  so  modest  about 
his  own  work  that  this  writer  feels  it  a  duty  to  add: 
He  was  fifty-seven  years  of  age  in  1914  and  was  a  re- 
tired minister  on  account  of  broken  health.  His  grand- 
father, Rev.  Joseph  Banks,  was  not  only  a  moving 
spirit  in  the  organizations  of  DeKalb  County,  but  a 
great  revivalist  in  his  day;  while  his  father,  Enoch 
Banks,  was  a  local  deacon  and  did  some  pastoral  work 
on  circuits  as  a  supply.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two, 
after  spending  four  years  in  Tullahoma  College,  W. 
P.  Banks  entered  the  Central  Tennessee  Conference  of 
the  M.  E.  Church  and  became  an  itinerant  preacher. 
He  served  as  pastor  of  circuits  sixteen  years  and  as 
presiding  elder  of  the  Nashville  District  six  years. 
While  presiding  elder  the  finances  of  his  district  in- 
creased one  hundred  per  cent,  an  increase  equal  to 
that  of  any  twelve  years  before  or  after  his  term  of 
service  for  the  same  territory.  For  eight  years  he 
was  secretary  of  the  Annual  Conference  and  twelve 

84 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

years  the  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Conference  min- 
utes. 

Rev.  Enoch  H.  Banks,  mentioned,  for  many  years 
kept  up  monthly  appointments  and  revivals  in  the  fall 
at  some  of  the  schoolhouses  adjacent  to  Dowelltown, 


There  are  a  small  number  of  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian congregations  scattered  throughout  the  county. 
For  some  years  the  only  church  on  Dry  Creek  south 
and  east  of  Dowelltown  was  a  small  building  located 
at  the  head  of  that  stream  and  called  Cave  Spring 
Church.  It  had  a  scattered  membership.  Its  pastor 
for  some  forty  years  was  the  eccentric  but  really  in- 
tellectual I.  L.  Thompson.  He  was  also  pastor  of 
Banks  Church,  on  Short  Mountain,  as  well  as  a  little 
society  at  Possum  Hollow  Schoolhouse,  on  Dry  Creek, 
midway  between  Cave  Spring  and  Dowelltown.  Of 
the  three,  only  Banks  Church  was  remaining  in  1814. 

In  1881  the  Cumberland  Presbyterians  erected  a 
Church  at  Alexandria.  Prior  to  the  War  between  the 
States  preaching  was  had  in  the  Turner  M.  Lawrence 
College.  The  following,  with  their  families,  were 
early  members :  James  Doss,  John  Bone,  W.  R.  Lewis, 
Al  Edwards,  Monroe  Doss,  J.  D.  Baird,  W.  W.  Patter- 
son, J.  A.  Davidson,  V.  H.  Williams,  J.  B.  Stevens, 
C.  D.  Baird,  T.  Macon,  also  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Ford,  the 
Kings,  Simpsons,  Fousts,  and  many  others,  all  among 
the  most  influential  citizens. 

Names  of  pastors,  including  the  present  one,  Rev. 
Joseph  Barbee:  Mr.  Dillard,  Reece  Patterson  (before 
the  war).  Dr.  Burney,  J.  F.  Patton,  J.  H.  Kittrell, 

85 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


Baxter  Barbee,  H.  Lamon,  J.  R.  Goodpasture,  Ira  W. 
King,  and  Mr.  Sanburn.  A  number  of  theological 
students  from  Cumberland  University  have  from  time 
to  time  held  services  in  the  church. 


The  Church  of  Christ,  or  Christian  Church,  has 
been  very  strong  in  the  county  for  many  years.  In 
Alexandria  the  members  erected  a  church  as  early  as 
1835.  It  was  succeeded  by  a  new  frame  in  1851,  or 
near  that  time.  About  1873  a  church  was  built  at 
Smith ville,  and  at  Liberty  another  prior  to  1890,  dedi- 
cated by  Mr.  Woolen.  In  all  there  are  nine  churches 
in  the  county,  others  besides  those  named  being  at 
Temperance  Hall,  Keltonsburg,  Belk,  Young's  Bend, 
'Falling  Water,  and  Cherry  Hill.  The  total  member- 
ship is  between  six  hundred  and  eight  hundred.  The 
oldest  church  is  that  at  Falling  Water,  it  is  believed. 

One  of  the  most  active  ministers  of  this  denomina- 
tion for  the  past  twenty  years  is  Rev.  H.  J.  Boles. 
His  son,  Rev.  H.  Leo  Boles,  who  is  now  President  of 
the  Nashville  Bible  School,  labored  with  him  for  some 
years  in  strengthening  the  congregations. 

Among  the  pioneer  preachers  of  the  county  were 
the  following,  in  addition  to  H.  J.  Boles:  Tolbert  Fan- 
ning, Caleb  and  Jesse  Sewell,  Sandy  Jones,  J.  M.,  C. 
C,  and  W.  T.  Tidwell.  Later:  J.  M.  Tidwell,  Wiley 
B.  Carnes,  Mr.  Sutton.  Luke  Melton,  Mr.  Gilbert,  Mr. 
Woolen,  and  others.  The  resident  ministers  of  the 
county  in  1914  were  Rev.  H.  J.  Boles  and  Rev.  O.  P. 
Barry. 

Among  the  prominent  citizens  who  have  been  identi- 

86 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

fied  with  the  congregations  may  be  mentioned  Dr. 
Drake,  Dr.  T.  J.  Potter,  Judge  J.  E.  Drake,  Prof.  H. 
L.  W.  Gross,  Brackett  Estes,  Samson  McClelland, 
Hon.  J.  AI.  Allen,  Judge  W.  G.  Crowley,  Judge  M.  D. 
Smallman,  editor  and  educator  W.  D.  G.  Carnes,  Wil- 
liam Floyd,  Dr.  T.  P.  Davis,  the  Lincolns,  Wades, 
Magnesses,  Cantrells,  Grififiths,  Webbs,  Martins, 
Hayses,  Tyrees,  Potters,  Pritchetts,  and  Smiths. 

After  the  War  between  the  States  a  religious  awak- 
ening became  apparent  throughout  the  county.  The 
writer,  then  a  lad,  saw  some  of  the  manifestations  of 
fervor  at  Liberty,  and  especially  at  the  Baptist  church. 
The  war  had  somewhat  demoralized  the  people,  and 
during  revivals  at  the  church  named  well-patronized 
ginger  cake  and  melon  vendors  held  forth  on  the  bluff 
less  than  one  hundred  yards  from  the  church.  At  night 
mischievous  persons  would  cut  harness  and  saddles. 
There  were  many  indictments,  moreover,  for  disturb- 
ing public  worship. 

87 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
Annals  of  Alexandria. 

This  town  is  on  the  Lebanon  and  Sparta  Turnpike, 
forty-nine  miles  east  of  Nashville.  The  nearest  rail- 
way points  are  Watertown,  six  miles  west,  and  Brush 
Creek,  two  and  one-half  miles  north.  The  tradition 
is  that  it  was  named  for  one  of  its  pioneers,  James 
Alexander,  who  came  from  Virginia.  Showing  that 
it  was  a  village  of  Cannon  County  in  1837,  in  which 
year  DeKalb  County  was  established  and  the  Lebanon 
and  Sparta  Turnpike  chartered,  the  following  Alex- 
andrians appointed  commissioners  of  the  road  are 
named  as  citizens  of  Cannon :  Jacob  Fite  and  James 
Goodner. 

The  act  incorporating  the  village  was  signed  Jan- 
uary 31,  1848,  the  boundaries  being  as  follows:  "Be- 
ginning at  the  southwest  corner  of  Leander  Scott's 
lot  and  running  north  to  Hickman  Creek;  thence  east 
with  the  meanders  of  said  creek  to  the  northwest  cor- 
ner of  Thomas  Allison's  lot ;  thence  south  to  the  west 
end  of  Gin  Alley ;  thence  east  with  said  alley  to  the 
northeast  corner  of  lot  No.  13;  thence  east  to  the 
cast  corner  of  McDonald's  lot,  including  Elijah  Dobb's 
lot ;  thence  west  to  Jacob  Kite's  line ;  thence  north 
with  the  said  line  to  tiie  beginning,  including  the  Meth- 
odist church  and  schoolhouse."  During  the  War  be- 
tween the  States  the  corporation  fell  into  "innocuous 
desuetude."  After  hostilities  ceased  it  was  rehabili- 
tated.    One  of  the  ante-bellum  mayors  recalled  was 

88 


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History     of     DeKalb     County 

the  late  John  Batts,  while  one  of  the  most  vigorous 
mayors  just  after  the  war  was  Robert  Yeargin.  As 
with  other  Tennessee  towns  of  smah  population,  the 
charter  was  surrendered  shortly  after  the  passage  of 
the  four-mile  law  to  get  the  benefit  of  that  statute. 
In  191 3  the  town  was  again  incorporated,  with  Rev. 
O.  P.  Barry  as  the  first  mayor  and  J.  W.  Parker  city 
attorney. 

The  first  settlers  of  the  community,  it  is  believed, 
arrived  about  1795.  The  following  list  includes  as 
many  of  the  early  business  men  as  it  is  possible  to  give 
at  this  late  date :  James  Alexander,  Joshua  M.  CoflFee 
&  Son,  Jacob  Fite  (father  of  Judge  John  Fite),  James 
Goodner,  Samuel  Young,  Church  Anderson,  William 
Floyd,  J.  D.  Wheeler,  Bone  &  Bro.,  Thomas  Compton. 
Reece  &  Ford,  Turner  Bros.,  Wheeler  &  Jones,  John 
F.  Aloore,  S.  W.  Pierce,  Lawrence  &  Roy,  William 
Geltford,  L.  D.  Fite,  James  Baird,  Jack  Baird,  and 
Dexter  Buck.  The  last  named  was  the  only  merchant 
doing  business  during  the  latter  part  of  the  war. 
Since  the  war  the  following  are  recalled:  James  and 
Jack  Baird,  Turner  Bros.,  Stokes  &  Wood,  Dinges  & 
Lincoln,  Hurd  &  Co.,  ]M.  F.  Doss,  Bridges  &  Smith, 
George  Evans,  Rutland  &  Goodner,  S.  W.  McClelland, 
Dinges  &  Co.,  Roy  &  Yeargin,  J.  W.  King,  John  Jost, 
Tubb  &  Schurer,  Edwards  &  Rutland,  Gold  &  New- 
man, Jones  Bros.,  John  Garrison,  and  Batts  &  Garri- 
son. Business  directory  for  1914:  Livingston  Tubb, 
Goodner  &  Son,  Roy  &  Jones,  Roy  &  Seale,  Lester's 
Department  Store,  Adamson  Grocery  Co.,  D.  A.  Stark, 
Dinges  Hardware  Co.,  Rutland  Bros.,  Sampson  Gro- 

89 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

eery  Co.,  O.  P.  Barry  Produee  Co.,  Style  Millinery 
Co.  (Miss  Daisye  \'antrease),  Donnel  &  Patton,  Grif- 
fith Livery  Co.,  H.  H.  Jones,  J.  W.  Aleasle,  and  Shelby 
]\Ialone,  insurance. 

The  pioneer  bank  of  the  town  and  county  is  the 
Alexandria  Bank.  This  bank  was  the  first  established 
between  Lebanon  on  the  west  and  Rockwood  on  the 
east.  The  original  capital  was  $10,000,  it  being  a 
private  concern  owned  by  J.  F.  Roy  and  Ed  Reece. 
About  1 89 1  it  was  chartered  as  a  State  bank  and  the 
stock  increased  to  $20,000.  Mr.  Roy  was  the  first 
Cashier  and  then  President.  C.  W.  L.  Hale,  of  Liberty, 
was  once  Vice  President,  and  William  \'ick,  of  the 
same  place,  was  a  stockholder  and  an  officer.  J.  F. 
Roy  is  now  President,  and  Frank  Roy,  Cashier.  This 
bank,  which  was  established  in  1888,  has  been  suc- 
cessful from  the  start. 

The  second  bank  in  point  of  time  is  known  as  the 
D.  W.  Dinges  Banking  Company.  It  has  also  wonder- 
fully prospered.  It  opened  for  business  January  24, 
1900,  with  the  following  officers:  D.  W.  Dinges,  Presi- 
dent ;  J.  A.  Walker,  Dib  Dinges,  Brien  Tubb,  and  W. 
H.  Lincoln.  On  January  7,  1904,  the  capital  was  in- 
creased. Large  dividends  have  been  declared  each 
year.  The  capital  at  present  is  $150,000,  with  a  sur- 
plus of  $14,000.  Present  directors:  D.  W.  Dinges,  J. 
A.  Walker,  O.  P.  Barry,  Livingston  Tubb,  J.  W. 
Measle,  G.  R.  Lester,  Dib  Dinges,  W.  T.  Jones,  Paul 
Tubb,  D.  C.  Dinges,  and  E.  T.  Dinges. 

The  earliest  paper  published  in  the  county  w-as  the 
Alexandria  Independent.     It  was  established  a  year  or 

90 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

two  prior  to  the  war  of  1861-65,  but  suspended  when 
the  great  struggle  commenced.  Wliile  its  publisher 
and  editor,  W.  H.  Mott,  was  said  to  have  been  from 
the  North  (marrying  a  Southern  girl,  Miss  Van- 
trease),  he  joined  Col.  R.  D.  Allison's  company  of 
Confederates.  With  the  Twenty-Fourth  Regiment  in 
the  battle  of  Alurfreesboro,  he  was  severely  w^ounded, 
and  soon  after  having  been  brought  home  he  died.  All 
efforts  to  secure  a  copy  of  the  Independent  have  failed, 
though  its  jottings  would  be  both  interesting  and  il- 
luminative of  the  times. 

In  1882  J.  W.  Newman  began  publishing  the  Enter- 
prise, continuing  it  about  two  years. 

The  Alexandria  Review  was  published  about  1892 
by  E.  C.  King.  In  that  year  it  was  sold  to  James 
Tubb,  according  to  a  communication  to  the  Liberty 
Herald  of  April  6,  1892. 

The  initial  number  of  the  Times  appeared  April  4. 
1894.  A  stock  company  was  publisher,  and  Robert 
F.  Jones  editor.  Rob  Roy  and  R.  W.  Patterson  pur- 
chased the  plant  two  years  later,  but  the  latter  soon 
retired.  Since  the  change  Mr.  Roy  has  been  publisher 
and  editor.  In  the  eighteen  years  of  the  Times' s  pub- 
lication no  less  than  twenty-nine  newspapers  in  De- 
Kalb, Smith,  and  Wilson  Counties  have  started  and 
suspended. 

The  War  between  the  States  is  recalled  in  connec- 
tion with  two  of  the  early  enterprises  of  Alexandria, 
the  flour  mill  and  the  fair.  It  is  tradition  that  the 
name  of  the  first  miller  was  a  Mr.  Hoover,  whose  lit- 
tle plant  on  Hickman  Creek  was  equipped  for  grind- 

91 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ing  corn  and  sawing,  the  saw  being  of  the  horizontal, 
or  sash,  variety.  The  splendid  flour  mill  built  about 
1852,  which  Gen.  John  T.  Wilder,  Federal  commander, 
put  out  of  business  by  twisting  and  bending  the  ma- 
chinery, was  under  the  management  of  Yan  and  Lon 
Wood.  After  the  war — about  1887 — a  stock  comany, 
composed  of  Ed  Reece,  J.  F.  Roy,  B.  F.  Bell,  John 
Rutland,  L.  E.  Simpson,  D.  W.  Dinges,  and  others, 
was  organized,  and  a  fine  roller  mill  was  erected. 
Brown  Bros,  once  operated  this  plant  in  the  eighties. 
Barry  &  Smith  operated  it  in  the  nineties.  This  finally 
burned,  and  Lon  Compton  operates  a  plant  erected 
somewhat  recently. 

A  county  fair  association  was  formed  prior  to  1858, 
and  in  that  year  the  first  fair  was  held.  The  war  then 
interfered,  and  Federal  soldiers,  principally  Stokes's 
men,  camped  on  the  site  and  practically  destroyed  the 
l)roperty.  The  site  was  on  the  William  Floyd  farm, 
on  Hickman  Creek.  In  1871  the  DeKalb  County  A. 
and  M.  Association  was  formed,  and  the  present-day 
fair  resulted.  The  first  directory  was  composed  of 
J.  P.  Doss,  J.  D.  Wheeler,  J.  F.  Roy,  J.  H.  Kitchen, 
J.  A.  Jones,  John  Bone,  J.  J.  Ford,  John  Rollins,  M. 
A.  Wood,  H.  B.  Smith,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Jacob  Measle, 
and  Gen.  William  B.  Stokes.  Of  these  directors,  only 
one,  J.  F.  Roy,  is  living.  This  is  believed  to  be  the 
oldest  fair  in  Tennessee.  The  State  is  said  to  be  a 
stockholder.  From  1871  to  the  present  the  fair  has 
been  held  every  year  except  1881,  when  the  severe 
drouth  prevailed.  On  the  morning  of  June  27,  1914, 
all  the  buildings  were  burned,  entailing  a  loss  of  $8,(X)0 

92 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

or  $10,000,  Rob  Roy  being  the  largest  loser.  Un- 
daunted, tents  and  circus  seats  were  procured,  and  the 
fair  of  1914  was  made  a  success. 

A  fact  worthy  of  note,  reflecting  credit  on  the  negro 
population  of  the  county,  is  that  for  several  years  the 
colored  people  have  held  a  fair  at  Alexandria,  the  man- 
agers in  1914  being  Henry  Belcher,  R.  E.  Preston, 
and  Dib  Burks. 

Among  the  early  citizens  of  this  community,  in  addi- 
tion to  many  already  mentioned,  there  are  recalled : 
Bartel  Carter,  King  Herod,  James  Malone,  Robert 
Dowell,  Rizer  Duncan,  Louis  McGann,  William 
Kiser,  Phil  Palmer,  Benjamin  Garrison,  John  Van- 
trease,  Jonathan  and  Steward  Doss,  Thomas  Simpson, 
William  Wright,  Aaron  Botts,  Louis  Y.  Davis,  Ed- 
ward Turner,  James  Goodner,  William  Grandstaff, 
Paschal  Brien,  Henry  Rutland,  Tom  Elinor,  Beverley 
Seay,  Samuel  Pierce,  Stephen  Pledger,  Bartley  James, 
Thornton  Christy,  Richard  Rison,  Turner  Lawrence, 
T.  Allison,  James  Link,  Oliver  Williams,  Sr.,  James 
Jones,  John  Pierce,  Spencer  Bomar,  J.  Yeargin,  J.  F 
Goodner,  Jack  Baird,  William  Johnston,  Peter  Davis, 
Tom  Price.  Caleb  Davis,  Hez  Bowers,  John  Bowers, 
Al  Bone,  William  Bone,  Peter  Turner,  James  Turner, 
Yan  and  Lon  Wood,  Jefferson  Sneed,  and  William 
Floyd.  The  last-named  brought  to  the  county  the 
first  thresher  and  piano. 

William  Floyd  was  also  a  before-the-war  post- 
master; so  was  Joshua  M.  Coffee;  so  was  Samuel  W. 
Pierce.     Other  postmasters  have  been  Stephen  Pled- 

93 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ger,  James  Turner,  Al  Edwards,  R.  M.  Bone,  S.  B. 
Franks,  J.  W.  Parker,  and  J.  Moores  Pendleton. 

As  to  professional  men,  the  lawyers  who  have  lived 
at  Alexandria  were  Col.  John  Kite  (born  there),  Man- 
son  M.  Brien,  John  Botts,  William  B.  Stokes,  Dan 
Williams,  and  J.  W.  Parker. 

Dentists:  Drs.  H.  I.  Benedict  and  L.  D.  Cotton. 

Early  physicians:  Drs.  John  W.  Overall  (about 
1830,  and  born  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Va.,  be- 
fore his  parents  removed  to  the  neighborhood  of 
Liberty,  Tenn.),  Jefiferson  Sneed,  James  Dougherty, 
William  Sales,  Cornelius  Sales,  George  Gray,  William 
Blythe,  Richard  Blythe,  T.  F.  Everett,  Nicholas  Mer- 
cer, E.  Tubb,  Horace  Sneed,  Isaac  J.  Miers  (or  Mize), 
Mayberry,  Bobo,  McConnell,  and  Flippin.  Later:  T. 
J.  Sneed,  Jr.,  C.  L.  Barton,  Dr.  Fletcher,  O.  D.  Wil- 
liams, T.  A.  Gold,  Thomas  Davis,  Sam  McMillan,  and 
J.  R.  Hudson. 

This  tradition  is  told  by  the  older  people  of  Alex- 
andria:  Dr.  Miers  (or  Mize)  was  of  French  extrac- 
tion, locating  in  Alexandria  long  before  the  War  be- 
tween the  States  (about  1848  or  1849),  and  wooed  and 
won  a  Miss  Paty.  He  was  impatient  to  build  up  a 
practice,  and  it  was  charged  that,  going  to  Woodbury 
one  day  and  procuring  smallpox  virus,  or  "scabs,"  ho 
returned  to  his  home  with  a  sinister  scheme.  Inviting 
a  young  Mr.  Turner  to  go  hunting  with  him  with  flint- 
locks, he  managed  to  inject  his  companion  with  the 
virus.    Soon  there  was  an  epidemic  of  smallpox. 

During  the  illness  of  Turner,  who  resided  near  the 
present   Brush   Creek,   Miers   visited   him,   saying  his 

94 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


condition  was  serious,  but  did  not  hint  that  the  malady 
Vv^as  probably  smallpox.  As  a  consequence  of  the 
visits  of  friends  and  relatives  the  disease  soon  spread. 
The  doctor  was  suspected  and  forced  to  leave  the 
neighborhood.  It  is  said  he  went  to  Virginia,  then 
removed  to  Illinois,  and  in  the  latter  State  engaged 
in  a  similar  scheme  to  boost  business,  when  he  was 
indicted  and  punished. 

There  are  two  well-kept  cemeteries  at  Alexandria — 
South  View,  the  pioneer  graveyard,  and  East  View, 
much  larger.  In  the  latter  many  soldiers  of  the  Civil 
War,  as  well  as  a  few  veterans  of  earlier  contests,  are 
sleeping.  Among  the  Confederates:  Col.  John  F. 
Goodner,  J.  P.  Doss,  J.  A.  Donnell,  Joshua  M.  Floyd, 
G.  M.  Bowers,  Wiley  Jones,  Nelson  D.  Eason,  Dr.  C. 
L.  Barton,  R.  A.  Lawrence,  J.  W.  Batts,  Capt.  J.  D. 
Wheeler,  L.  H.  Fite,  Billy  Foust,  J.  D.  Martin,  Mon- 
roe Doss,  O.  B.  Wright,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  R.  B.  Floyd, 
J.  B.  Palmer,  John  Bomar,  William  Talley,  Thomas 
Dunn,  William  Mooneyham,  W.  E.  Foust.  Among 
the  Federals:  J.  H.  Kitching,  Monroe  ("Pud")  Brad- 
ley, W.  F.  Batts,  J.  E.  ("Rome")  Goodner,  J.  B.  Year- 
gin,  Dr.  O.  D.  Williams,  John  Garrison,  Sr.,  John  C. 
Garrison,  W.  A.  Palmer,  Monroe  Hall,  Len  Robinson, 
James  Pass,  J.  M.  Walker,  P.  L.  Wood,  Robert  Alvis, 
T.  W.  Eason,  John  Lawrence,  and  Gen.  W.  B.  Stokes. 

The  writer  has  had  access  to  an  old  ledger  which 
belonged  to  Dr.  John  W.  Overall,  who  resided  in 
Alexandria.  It  covers  a  period  from  1830  to  October, 
1834,  and  no  doubt  the  names  listed  therein  include  a 
number  of  the  pioneers  of  Alexandria  as  well  as  a 

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History     of     DeKalb     County 

number  in  other  counties  but  in  the  town's  "sphere 
of  influence."    The  names  follow : 

Caleb  Davis,  Xehemiah  Dowell,  Sterling  Davis, 
Daniel  Coggin,  James  P.  Dale,  Elisha  Dowell,  Smith- 
son  C.  Doss,  Stewart  Doss,  Prestley  Dowell,  Levi  A. 
Durham,  Col.  E.  Durham,  John  Dyournet,  Joshua  M. 
Coffee,  Beverley  Callicoat,  Thomas  Crutchfield,  Lineas 
Cock,  David  Crowder,  Samuel  Casey,  Robert  Caskey, 
Winslow  Carter,  John  S.  Brien,  Thomas  Beckv.'ith, 
Peter  Barton,  Roland  Burks,  IManson  M.  Brien,  Aaron 
Botts,  David  Blue,  Thomas  Bomar,  James  Brien, 
Thomas  Bradford,  William  Bennett.  Willis  Dowell. 
William  Edwards,  Cornelius  Ellison,  Jacob  Fite. 
Amos  Foutch,  Floyd  Davis,  William  Floyd,  Joseph 
Fite,  Shadrack  Figgin,  John  Floyd,  G.  W.  Grayson, 
J  M.  Goodner,  Benjamin  Garrison,  Stephen  Griffin, 
Valentine  Gates,  William  Grandstaff,  Henry  Helman- 
taller,  Philip  Hass,  Henry  Haley.  Benjamin  D.  Hynds, 
Henton  A.  Hill,  Joab  Haflin,  Josiah  Hicks,  Sterling 
Hale.  John  Hathaway,  Hawkins  Heflin.  Grogan  Har- 
per, Levi  Herod,  Pendleton  Hobson.  Washington 
Hicks,  Hardin  Hardcastle,  Benjamin  Jones,  Josiah 
Inge,  Wyatt  Jenkins,  Nelson  Kyle,  James  Kitching, 
Spencer  Kelley,  Edward  Lawrence,  W.  F.  Luck,  James 
Lancaster,  John  Lucky,  William  Linn,  Gregory  Moore, 
William  Marler.  John  Moore  (hatter).  David  Malone, 
Joseph  McCrabb,  Maj.  William  Moore,  James  Askew. 
Don  Allison,  Robert  Nixon,  Levi  Purnell.  Over- 
street  Pritchard,  Caleb  Preston,  Philip  Palmer,  Brit- 
tain  Reynolds,  Rison  Roland.  Augustin  Robinson, 
North    Reynolds,    Henry    Rollings,    Daniel    Ratlidge, 

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History     of     DeKalb     County 

Peyton  Randolph,  George  Reasonover,  William 
Wright,  Thomas  Simpson,  Randolph  Sanlin,  Fuller 
Sanlin,  William  Stokes,  Jordan  Stokes,  George  Simp- 
son, Anderson  Tibbs,  T.  J.  Tyree,  Edward  Turner, 
Littleberry  Turner,  Wilson  Tubb,  Benjamin  Tubb, 
Tolliver  Turner,  John  Vantrease,  Joshua  Vick,  Samuel 
Vanatta,  William  Vantrease,  Jeremiah  Whitlock, 
Anthony  Ward,  John  Warford,  Benton  Wood,  Abel 
Wood,  James  Winfrey,  William  Wellaby,  Tucker 
Woodson,  Jesse  Wood,  Pleasant  Watson,  David  War- 
ford,  Duke  C.  Wright,  and  Dobson  Yeargin. 
7  97 


CHAPTER  IX. 
Concerning  Slaves  and  Free  Negroes. 

There  was  only  one  attempt  of  the  slaves  to  start 
an  insurrection  in  this  State,  as  far  as  the  writer  can 
learn;  that  was  in  Stewart  County.  In  1854  and  1855 
it  became  evident  that  the  negroes  meditated  mischief, 
as  they  were  known  to  be  holding  secret  meetings  on 
nights  and  Sundays.  They  were  instigated  by  white 
preachers,  it  is  thought,  from  the  North.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1856,  a  vigilance  committee  was  organized,  slaves 
from  all  parts  of  Stewart  County  were  examined,  and 
the  suspicion  of  a  plot  was  seen  to  be  well  founded. 
The  slaves  were  on  a  specified  day  to  overpower  their 
masters  and,  after  arming  themselves,  cross  the  coim- 
try  to  Hopkinsville,  Ky.,  then  enter  Ohio,  where  they 
hoped  to  be  free.  Six  of  the  leaders  were  hanged  at 
Dover  before  Christmas  and  a  large  number  whipped. 
To  make  the  punishment  more  impressive  a  citizen 
of  Dover  cut  off  the  heads  of  the  six  blacks  executed 
and  had  them  paraded  through  the  streets,  Goodspeed 
tells  us. 

The  negroes  were  considered  by  the  forefathers  the 
most  docile  of  all  races  of  savages.  Whether  this  was 
correct  or  not,  those  of  DeKalb  County  were  not  hard 
to  control.  Now  and  then  one  heard  of  "runaway" 
slaves,  but  they  had  no  desire,  it  appears,  to  injure 
their  masters. 

The  old  type  of  darky  has  almost  become  extinct. 
It  seems  but  justice  to  refer  at  some  length  to  a  num- 
ber who  became  well  known  locallv  from  one  cause  or 

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History     of     DeKalb     County 

another.  There  were  a  few  who  had  the  instincts  of 
a  gentleman,  some  whose  individuality  made  them 
favorites  with  the  whites,  and  many  with  striking  traits 
that  created  more  or  less  notice.  Not  only  did  the 
negroes  prove  the  most  amiable  of  savage  races,  but 
the  writer  dares  say  that  he  recalls  no  instances  among 
the  whites  of  anything  finer  than  the  humble  dignity 
of  Wolsey  Givan,  the  gentle  urbanity  of  Wells  Allen, 
the  Chesterfieldian  politeness  of  Dave  Sellars,  the  se- 
rene patience  of  Mary  Fuston,  or  the  tireless  devo- 
tion of  Violet  Overall  to  the  little  babe  left  to  her  care 
by  the  death  of  Mrs.  Horace  L.  Hale. 

Slaves  were  numerous  in  the  county.  Scores  of 
citizens  owned  from  two  to  a  dozen,  while  a  few  held 
a  much  larger  number.  The  original  stock  in  most 
instances  was  brought  from  the  older  States  by  the 
pioneers.  There  was  not  very  much  trafficking  in  this 
species  of  property  in  DeKalb  County.  Of  the  slave 
owners  adjacent  to  Liberty,  these  are  recalled  with 
little  eflfort:  James  Allen,  John  Stark,  W.  G.  Bratten, 
Reuben  Evans,  Francis  Turner,  Isaac  Turney,  Abra- 
ham Overall,  Ezekiel  Bass,  Edward  Robinson,  Henry 
Frazier,  Dr.  G.  C.  Flowers,  Daniel  Smith,  Nicholas 
Smith,  Horace  Overall,  W.  B.  Stokes,  James  Tubb, 
Isaac  Turney,  Thomas  Stokes,  John  Bethel,  Eli  Vick, 
James  Fuston,  Joseph  Clarke,  William  Vick,  William 
Sellars,  Jasper  Ruyle,  William  Avant,  Sampson  Wil- 
liams, Thomas  Givan,  Peter  and  Jacob  Adams,  Leon- 
ard Lamberson,  the  Brazwells,  Hayses,  Groomses, 
Roys,  and  Bates. 

The  Foutches,  S'needs,  Wrights.  Lawrences,  Good- 

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History     of     DeKalb     County 

ners,  Rutlands,  Grandstaffs,  Turners,  Floyds,  Pres- 
tons,  Davises,  and  others  possessed  "human  chattels" 
at  Alexandria ;  while  well-known  slaveholders  around 
Smithville  were  W.  H.  Magness,  Giles  Driver,  Nicho- 
las Chambers,  Thomas  Bradford,  and  Bernard  Rich- 
ardson. 

Free  negroes  were  few  in  number.  Lige  Whitely, 
of  Smithville,  was  one  of  a  family  of  free  men  of 
color.  He  was  a  vendor  of  ginger  cakes,  holding  forth 
at  the  courthouse  well  on  days  of  occasion.  From  the 
letter  of  a  correspondent  out  of  the  State  this  is 
quoted : 

Often,  thinking  of  Liberty,  I  see  everj^hing  as  plainly  as 
sixty-five  years  ago — even  Nat  and  Banks  Evans,  'Lizabeth 
Flowers,  Jim  Bethel,  Luke  Turney,  Wells  Allen,  Gib  Clarke, 
Nye  Givans,  Wolsey  Givan,  Cato  Bate,  Strawd  Overall,  Jeff 
Overall  (the  old  colonel's  fiddler),  Albert  Smith  (who  as- 
sumed the  name  of  Porter),  Allen  Fuston,  Virg  and  Rans 
Robinson,  Sut  Bass,  Pomp  and  Tom  Ruyle,  Burrell  Stokes, 
Caleb  Tubb,  and  Ike  Lamberson.  By  the  way,  Ike  passed  as 
an  infidel,  the  only  one  I  ever  saw  among  the  colored  folks. 
Any  negro  there  who  could  claim  descent  from  Wolsey  Givan 
considered  it  a  great  honor.  Strawd  and  Jeff  Overall  were 
noted  characters. 

Is  the  negro's  religion  mere  emotion,  signifying 
nothing?  The  writer  testifies  to  a  permanent  change 
in  the  conduct  of  "Aunt"  Violet,  who  was  cook  in  his 
father's  home  for  twenty-five  years.  Though  she  and 
her  mistress  grew  up  together,  for  a  few  years  Aunt 
Vil  would  have  "tantrums"  two  or  three  times  a  week, 
swearing  like  the  army  in  Flanders  and  otherwise 
working  oflF  her  temper.     One  day  news  came  that 

lOO 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

her  son  Bill  had  been  stabbed  to  death  by  Doc  Allen, 
another  negro.  She  made  no  hysterical  outcry,  but 
fell  writhing  on  the  floor  in  mental  torture.  Some 
months  later  she  was  converted,  and  from  the  day  of 
her  conversion  to  her  death  she  was  never  guilty  of 
profanity  nor  of  giving  way  unrestrainedly  to  her  tem- 
per. And  when  her  mistress  was  dying  she  came 
shuffling  from  the  kitchen,  and  the  two,  who  had 
known  each  other  for  fifty-nine  years,  embraced. 

There  were  three  or  four  outlying  negroes  prior  to 
the  war.  The  most  noted  were  "Arrington,"  "Jim," 
and  "Old  Yaller."  According  to  the  scant  information 
obtainable,  it  appears  that  sometime  in  the  first  half 
of  the  nineteenth  century  Henry  Hart,  who  owned 
large  tracts  of  land  on  Dry  Creek,  decided  to  sell  his 
realty  holdings  and  move  from  the  country.  Several 
thousand  acres  were  purchased  by  Henry  Frazier, 
then  a  young  man,  who,  after  the  War  between  the 
States,  was  slain  on  Snow's  Hill  by  Capt.  W.  L. 
Hathaway.  Hart  disposed  of  his  negroes  in  the  South, 
including  Tom,  who  was  sold  to  a  planter  named  Ar- 
rington. 

Tom  ran  away  from  his  new  master,  returning  to 
DeKalb  County,  and  hid  in  caves  and  cane  thickets  for 
quite  a  while.  He  was  fed  by  such  negroes  as  Ike 
Lamberson,  Jeff  Overall,  the  Allen  slaves,  and  others. 
While  not  appearing  vicious,  he  became  a  terror  to 
the  women  and  children,  because,  like  the  wild  things, 
he  prowled  at  night.  It  is  possible  that  he  did  not 
hesitate  to  appropriate  a  lamb,  fowl,  or  hog,  or  to  raid 
a  kitchen  when  moved  by  hunger.    There  were  many 

lOI 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

large  caves  in  the  country  and  immense  canebrakes, 
and  it  was  not  difficult  to  avoid  detection  by  day. 
Arrington  evaded  capture  four  or  five  years,  then  dis- 
appeared. He  may  have  sought  new  fields  or  died  un- 
attended in  one  of  the  caves  that  exist  only  in  lime- 
stone sections. 


The  case  of  Jim  is  of  interest  from  the  fact  that  his 
trial  for  murder  is  given  in  the  reports  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Tennessee  (4th  and  5th  Humphreys)  and 
is  the  precedent  for  conviction  in  a  capital  offense  on 
circumstantial  evidence.  Belonging  to  a  farmer  named 
Williams,  he  was  tried  for  murder  in  1843,  was  con- 
victed, and  appealed.  The  case  was  remanded  and 
resulted  in  a  second  verdict  of  guilty  in  1844.  Appeal- 
ing to  the  Supreme  Court  again,  the  case  was  affirmed. 
His  lawyers  were  Sam  Turney,  Brien,  and  Haynes. 
Jim  was  hanged  at  Smithville,  making  a  sensational 
statement  on  the  gallows. 

Isaac,  the  property  of  William  Avant,  was  murdered 
in  the  kitchen  of  William  Williams  on  Dry  Creek  on 
Saturday  night,  January  11,  1843.  Proof  showed  that 
a  slave  named  George  (against  whose  owner  execu- 
tions were  in  the  hands  of  an  officer)  and  Jim  (against 
whose  owner  an  attachment  had  issued)  were  both  in 
the  neighborhood,  concealing  themselves  in  the  woods, 
and  were  harbored  by  persons  living  near  the  place 
where  Isaac  was  murdered.  Isaac  had  been  hired  to 
catch  George.  The  latter  and  Jim,  both  well  armed, 
heard  of  Isaac's  purpose  and  made  frequent  threats 
against  his  life.     One  night  while  Isaac  was  sleeping 

102 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

on  the  floor  with  his  head  to  the  fire  he  was  shot  twice 
by  some  one  outside  and  died  in  about  an  hour.  Dr. 
Fuson  examined  the  body,  and  William  Avant  found 
tracks  fifteen  or  twenty  steps  from  the  kitchen,  where 
Isaac  was  killed.  The  night  had  been  cold.  The 
tracks  were  visible  only  at  a  mudhole  near  the  kitchen 
and  at  the  spring  branch.  They  seemed  to  have  been 
made  recently  by  some  one  running,  and  showed  a  de- 
ficiency in  one  of  the  soles.  When  Jim  was  caught  in 
a  cave  by  Francis  L.  Boyd,  it  was  found  that  a  piece 
was  wanting  in  the  sole  of  the  right  shoe.  The  meas- 
ure of  the  track  with  Jim's  shoes  corresponded  with 
the  width,  but  was  about  half  an  inch  shorter  than  the 
shoes.  David  Coger,  a  witness  in  the  case,  testified 
from  tests  that  tracks  made  while  one  was  running 
would  be  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  shorter 
than  the  shoe  that  made  it,  and  the  tracks  would  be 
shortest  in  soft  ground.  One  of  the  negro  women 
swore  that  Jim  had  admitted  the  deed,  while  others 
gave  damaging  testimony. 

Some  young  physicians  secured  Jim's  body  and,  to 
avoid  detection,  conveyed  it  from  hiding  place  to  hiding 
place,  finally  cutting  it  up,  tradition  says,  and  throw- 
ing the  pieces  and  bones  in  Smith  Fork  Creek  just 
below  the  Gin  Bluff  cave.  The  violation  of  graves 
was  made  a  felony  by  the  act  of  1831,  which  explains 
the  doctors'  fears. 


"Old  Yaller"  was  Jim  Stokes,  a  slave  owned  by 
General  Stokes.  From  some  cause  he  was  always 
absconding,    hiding    in    the    neighboring    hills.      One 

103 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


morning  he  discovered  from  his  hiding  place  that  Col. 
James  Tubb's  residence  was  on  fire  and  succeeded  in 
putting  out  the  flames  before  much  damage  was  done. 
In  gratitude  Colonel  Tubb  purchased  him  from 
Stokes,  a  delight  to  "Yaller  Jim,"  since  his  wife  was 
one  of  Colonel  Tubb's  slaves.  Jim  was  the  father  of 
ten  or  twelve  children  by  this  woman. 

This  is  of  pathetic  interest:  Caleb  was  Colonel 
Tubb's  body  servant — a  very  large  black  man  pos- 
sessed of  much  humor,  who  had  a  deep  affection  for 
every  member  of  his  master's  family.  He  had  super- 
intended the  digging  of  graves  for  all  the  burials  that 
had  taken  place,  and  the  Colonel  had  enjoined  upon 
the  survivors  of  the  family  the  duty  of  burying  Caleb 
next  to  himself  at  the  head  of  the  family  section. 

After  the  war  freed  him,  and  after  Colonel  Tubb's 
death,  Caleb  remained  faithful,  caring  for  Miss  Addie 
Tubb,  the  youngest  girl,  and  Mrs.  Caroline  Fite,  a 
widow.  When  they  died  he  went  to  Dowelltown,  but 
suddenly  left  there  and  went  to  parts  unknown.  Years 
passed,  when  one  day  an  old  colored  man  asked  the 
stage  driver  from  McMinnville  to  Smithville  for  a  ride. 
He  was  wanting  to  get  back  home  to  die  and  be  buried 
beside  his  master  and  "the  chilluns,"  as  he  pathetically 
explained.  Though  he  was  black  and  his  language 
broken,  in  his  old  heart  was  a  yearning  as  loyal  as  that 
expressed  by  Jacob:  "Bury  me  not,  I  pray  thee,  in 
Egypt:  but  I  will  lie  with  my  fathers,  and  thou  shalt 
carry  me  out  of  Egypt,  and  bury  me  in  their  burying 
place."      Before    the    stage    reached    Smithville    the 

104 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

negro's  life  had  gone  out.  James  Tubb,  Jr.,  was  noti- 
fied, and  he  carried  out  the  promise  exacted  by  his 
father  as  to  the  burial  of  old  black  Caleb. 

According  to  the  report  of  the  Adjutant  General  of 
Tennessee  in  1866,  Col.  J.  P.  Brownlow,  the  enlist- 
ment of  negro  troops  in  the  Union  army  from  this 
State  numbered  17,770.  A  number  may  have  been 
from  DeKalb  County,  though  the  writer  has  heard  of 
but  one,  Banks,  belonging  to  Reuben  Evans. 

Some  of  the  early  laws  relative  to  negroes  were 
these:  They  were  not  permitted  to  practice  medicine 
When  found  off  their  master's  premises  without  a  pass, 
they  were  arrested  by  patrols.  Before  1831,  for  cer- 
tain offenses  slaves  (also  free  negroes)  could  be  nailed 
to  the  pillory  by  the  ears  and  have  their  ears  cut  off. 
By  the  act  of  1831  free  negroes  were  not  allowed  to 
remove  to  this  from  any  other  State  and  remain  more 
than  twenty  days;  while  by  that  of  1833  no  stage 
driver  or  boat  captain  was  allowed  to  carry  free 
negroes  from  one  place  to  another  without  a  certifi- 
cate from  the  county  court  clerk;  but  if  the  black  were 
a  slave,  verbal  or  written  authority  from  the  owner 
was  sufficient.  Free  negroes  were  allowed  to  vote 
until  1834,  when  they  were  disfranchised  by  the  new 
State  constitution.  A  bill  was  introduced  in  the  legis- 
lature of  Tennessee  in  1859-60  providing  that  all  free 
negroes  except  certain  minors  should  be  sold  into 
slavery  if  they  remained  in  the  State  after  May  i, 
1861.    It  failed  to  become  a  law. 

los 


CHAPTER  X. 

Stagecoach  and  Tavern  Days. 

Quite  a  bulky  debt  was  saddled  on  the  State  when 
the  mania  for  internal  improvements  in  Tennessee  was 
on.  But  it  brought  us  good  roads,  and  no  State  can 
properly  develop  without  these.  It  also  brought  an 
era  of  romance  which  made  the  people  in  isolated 
places  better  and  happier  and  mentally  broader. 

It  was  a  great  event,  as  great  as  the  construction  of 
a  railroad  to-day,  when  the  turnpike  was  extended 
from  Lebanon  in  the  direction  of  Sparta.  On  Decem- 
ber 2,  1837,  ^  company  was  incorporated  with  the  fol- 
lowing commissioners :  John  Hearn,  John  Muirhead, 
W.  L.  Martin,  Joseph  Johnson,  O.  G.  Finley,  J.  P. 
Wharton,  Solomon  Caplinger,  Wilson  T.  Waters, 
James  Young,  George  Smith,  J.  M,  Armstrong,  Jona- 
than Bailey,  and  William  Lawrence,  of  Wilson  County  ; 
Abraham  Caruthers,  John  Gordon,  Francis  Gordon, 
William  McCain,  and  Nathaniel  Ward,  of  Smith 
County ;  T.  W.  Duncan,  Leonard  Lamberson,  E. 
Wright,  Jacob  Fite,  James  Goodner,  James  Tubb,  and 
Joseph  Clarke,  of  Cannon  County  (afterwards  De- 
Kalb)  ;  William  Glenn,  William  Simpson,  Jesse  Lin- 
coln, and  S.  V.  Carrick,  of  White  County. 

The  commissioners  were  to  open  books  for  receiv 
mg  subscriptions  to  the  amount  of  $120,000,  to  be  used 
in  building  the  pike,  "commencing  at  Lebanon,"  the 
charter  not  specifying  at  what  point  it  should  termi- 
nate.    The  $120,000  was  to  be  divided  into  shares  of 

106 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

$50  each.  The  chief  surveyor  of  the  State  marked 
the  route,  and  that  part  going  over  Snow's  Hill,  a 
mountain  in  DeKalb  County,  the  gorges  and  peaks 
of  which  suggest  Alpine  scenery,  is  said  to  be  an  ex- 
traordinarily fine  example  of  surveying,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  few  hundred  feet.  This  variance  was  due, 
explains  Mr.  John  L.  Lamberson,  grandson  of  one  of 
the  commissioners,  to  the  fact  that  it  was  left  to  an 
assistant,  the  chief  surveyor,  becoming  ill,  having  been 
carried  to  Lamberson's,  where  he  died.  For  some 
reason,  probably  because  of  a  lack  of  funds,  the  road 
for  some  years  was  completed  only  to  the  top  of 
Snow's  Hill ;  but  the  grading  was  completed  to  Smith- 
ville  after  the  War  between  the  States. 

As  soon  as  possible  after  securing  the  charter  and 
making  the  survey  work  was  begun.  The  route  must 
have  presented  a  bustling  appearance,  with  the  camps 
and  the  great  ox  teams  (shod  with  triangular  pieces 
of  iron  on  each  toe,  we  are  told)  drawing  stone,  sand, 
and  gravel,  and  the  toiling  slaves  and  their  overseers. 
The  work  was  given  out  to  various  contractors — Nich- 
olas Smith,  James  White,  Daniel  Ford,  Leonard  Lam- 
berson, James  Tubb,  Abraham  Overall,  and  others. 
It  is  said  that  the  part  running  under  the  Allen  bluiT 
and  beside  the  creek  west  of  Liberty  was  constructed 
by  Colonel  Overall. 

But  one  tragedy  resulted  during  the  building  of  this 
highway,  so  far  as  the  writer  can  learn,  though  in 
some  instances  those  upon  whose  premises  the  survey 
was  made  became  very  indignant.  One  farmer  in  the 
Alexandria  neighborhood  went  gunning;  but  as  the 

107 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

route  was  changed  for  the  better  in  his  neighborhood, 
no  blood  was  shed.  The  tragedy  was  the  drowning 
of  a  youth  named  Blades.  "There  under  the  roots  of 
that  big  tree,"  said  the  widow  White  to  the  writer  one 
day  when  he  was  visiting  the  old  Gray  cemetery  in 
Dowelltown,  "is  buried  Charlie,  the  only  son  of  Benja- 
min Blades.  He  fell  through  the  Liberty  bridge  be- 
fore it  was  finished  and  was  drowned.  Near  by  is 
the  grave  of  James  White,  who  contracted  to  build  a 
portion  of  the  turnpike." 

That  women  had  an  eye  to  business  even  so  early  as 
1837  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  Mrs.  Sinia  Foster 
superintended  the  building  of  the  road  some  way  up 
Snow's  Hill.  With  her  sons  and  employees,  she  boss- 
ing the  job,  a  section  of  road  was  built  that  was  prob- 
ably unexcelled. 

Mr.  Caplinger,  possibly  one  of  the  commissioners, 
constructed  the  old  bridge  north  of  Liberty,  a  covered 
wooden  structure  with  two  driveways ;  probably  also 
that  over  Dry  Creek,  as  both  were  alike. 

The  stagecoach  was  a  familiar  sight  prior  to  the 
building  of  the  turnpike ;  while  the  pike  did  not  al- 
ways follow  the  first  highway.  To  illustrate,  the  old 
road  passed  along  the  western  and  northern  brow  of 
the  Daniel  Smith  hill  a  quarter  of  a  mile  north  of 
Liberty,  and  after  a  large  half  circle  eastward  came 
out  near  Dowelltown.  The  trace  is  clearly  visible  to- 
day. With  the  coming  of  the  big,  red,  rocking  coach 
there  had  to  be  stage  stands  and  wayside  inns  provid- 
ing "entertainment  for  man  and  beast."  As  far  back 
as  the  oldest  inhabitants  can  remember,  Col.  M.  A. 

108 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Price  was  the  mail  contracter,  an  old  one-eyed  gentle- 
man, who  smacked  his  lips  enjoyably  over  a  glass  of 
gin  and  was  strictly  business.  Horace  McGuire,  an 
early  stager,  says  the  mail  was  carried  from  Nashville 
to  Knoxville.  Isaiah  White,  son  of  one  of  the  road 
builders  and  now  a  citizen  of  Nashville,  avers  that 
the  Colonel  had  mail  contracts  covering  twelve  thou- 
sand miles,  and  this  particular  route  extended  from 
Nashville  via  Knoxville  to  Richmond,  Va.  The  coach 
was  drawn  by  four  horses  a  large  part  of  the  time, 
says  James  Dearman,  another  stager,  and  horses  were 
changed  every  fourteen  miles.  "Colonel  Price  grew 
wealthy,"  says  Mr.  White.  "My  father  had  the  con- 
tract to  make  the  road  from  the  foot  of  Snow's  Hill 
to  the  top,  taking  the  contract  off  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Duncan  and  Dr.  Wright;  but  they  became  bankrupt, 
and  he  received  very  little  compensation.  It  was  fin- 
ished to  the  top  of  the  hill,  I  think,  about  1845." 

After  Price's  time  the  route  was  gradually  short- 
ened, finally  becoming  insignificant.  Sam  Black  fol- 
lowed Price.  Other  contractors  have  been:  Jesse 
Walling,  Colvert  &  Lewis,  Hale  &  Lewis,  Overall 
Bros.,  and  Taylor  &  Robinson.  From  Watertown  to 
Smithville  a  number  of  automobiles  now  run. 

There  were  taverns  at  Liberty  nearly  a  century  ago 
— the  Duncan  at  the  north  end  of  the  village,  and  one 
somewhat  south  of  the  first-named,  probably  erected 
by  a  Mr.  Kite.  The  latter  was  at  various  times  occu- 
pied as  a  residence  by  W.  G.  Foster,  John  F.  Moore 
(a  Vermont  immigrant),  Frank  Foster,  and  William 
Blackburn,  father  of  Col.  Joe  Blackburn.     It  was  at 

109 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

last  torn  down  to  give  place  for  Will  A.  Vick's  resi- 
dence. 

The  pioneer,  Josiah  Duncan,  had  the  Duncan  Tavern 
built,  and  it  v^as  conducted  by  his  son,  T.  W.  Duncan. 
Some  of  the  Duncans  removed  to  Nashville.  It  is 
believed  that  the  Duncan  Hotel,  in  the  capital,  was 
named  for  one  of  these  Duncans.  They  came  orig- 
inally from  Maryland.  Isaac  Whaley,  postmaster  at 
Liberty  for  about  forty-four  years,  once  stated  to  the 
writer  that  within  his  memory  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson 
was  a  guest  at  the  Duncan.  He  added :  "The  General 
used  to  pass  here  in  his  carriage  on  the  way  to  Wash- 
ington and  other  points.  One  time  he  purchased  some 
negroes  and  was  bringing  them  to  Tennessee.  While 
here  a  young  slave  died.  It  was  between  1834  and 
1839.  I  made  the  negro's  coffin.  Of  the  Duncans  who 
left  Liberty,  I  believe  the  one  to  become  best  known 
was  Cicero." 

T.  M.  Givan,  a  relative  of  the  Duncan  family,  has 
heard  his  father  tell  of  a  large  delegation  going  as  far 
as  Snow's  Hill  to  welcome  Old  Hickory  on  one  occa- 
sion. Some  genius  had  improvised  a  sort  of  cannon, 
and  when  it  was  "touched  off"  it  escaped  from  its 
fastenings,  disappeared  somewhere  down  one  of  the 
gorges  near  the  road,  "and  has  never  been  seen  since.'' 
On  Jackson's  arrival  the  county  broke  all  records  by 
the  size  of  its  crowd.  Jackson  was  .social  and  pleased 
his  hearers  by  expressing  admiration  for  the  great 
hills  and  predicting  a  wonderful  future  for  that  sec- 
tion. 

Mrs.  Rachel   Payne,  daughter  of  Frederick  Jones, 

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History     of     DeKalb     County 

who  bought  the  Duncan  Tavern  too  late  to  entertain 
the  hero  of  New  Orleans,  says  she  heard  Mrs.  Duncan 
tell  how  she  once  prepared  a  great  feast  for  Jackson, 
but  he  would  partake  of  nothing  but  milk  and  mush. 
Mrs.  Payne  states  further:  "When  I  was  a  child  fif- 
teen young  men  and  the  same  number  of  girls  passed 
through  the  village  from  Alexandria  to  Smithville  to 
attend  a  ball.  Coming  back  to  the  village  with  the 
purpose  of  having  a  dance  at  the  Overall  home,  they 
found  the  creek  past  fording  and  stayed  overnight 
with  us,  and  that  dance  was  the  first  I  had  ever  seen. 
I  recall  two  of  the  young  ladies.  Colonel  Stokes's 
daughters,  Miss  Melissa  (afterwards  Mrs.  Haskins) 
and  Miss  Leath  (called  'Bug,'  who  became  Mrs.  James 
R.  Calhoun).  The  fifteen  couples  were  horseback, 
which  would  be  a  wonderful  sight  now." 

Latter-day  hotels  at  Liberty  were  conducted  by 
Joshua  Hollandsworth  and  Mrs.  Cannie  Whaley. 

About  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century  there 
was  an  excellent  and  popular  tavern  at  Alexandria 
kept  by  Capt.  J.  S.  Reece.  'T  remember  a  few  balls 
at  the  tavern,"  writes  Mrs.  S.  W.  McClelland,  for- 
merly of  Alexandria,  "and  among  other  attendants 
were  Misses  Ellen  Johnston,  Tump  Sneed,  Mary, 
Fannie,  and  Lorena  Davis,  Matt  and  Harriet  Batts, 
and  Messrs.  Pope  Rutland,  John  Sneed,  William  Bone, 
Joshua  Floyd,  and  Capt.  John  F.  Goodner,  the  gayest 
of  the  gay  and  a  soldier  of  two  wars.  Next  day  we 
stood  on  tiptoe  listening  to  a  recital  of  the  joyous 
events.  When  the  circus  came  the  old  tavern  was 
quickened  into  new  life,  and  nothing  was  more  de- 

III 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

lightful  to  us  children  than  to  get  a  peep  in  on  the 
show  folks,  especially  the  show  girls,  this  being  ac- 
complished through  the  friendship  of  Mary  Reece, 
the  innkeeper's  amiable  daughter." 

Ed  Reece,  of  Nashville,  who  was  brought  up  in  the 
Reece  House,  but  who  is  now  a  prosperous  Nashville 
man,  says  the  building  stood  where  Lester's  department 
store  now  stands,  on  the  south  side  of  the  principal 
street.  "I  think,"  he  continues,  "it  was  formerly  con- 
ducted by  Jack  Baird,  Sr.,  father  of  James  and  the 
late  Jack  Baird.  My  father  exchanged  property  with 
James  Baird  for  it  and  had  it  put  in  fine  repair,  open- 
ing it  to  the  public  in  185 1  or  1852.  My  father  was  a 
Whig,  and  the  Whigs  all  stopped  with  him.  Among 
the  guests  of  more  than  local  repute  I  mention  Jordan 
Stokes,  Sidney  S.  Stanton,  Gen.  Bill  Cullom,  and  Bird 
S.  Rhea.  There  were  balls  there  a  plenty  prior  to  the 
big  war,  and  young  people  from  Carthage,  Lebanon, 
Gordonsville,  and  Nashville  attended.  An  event  I  dis- 
tinctly remember  was  the  marriage  of  Horatio  Betty — 
probably  the  grandfather  of  Willie  Betty  Newman, 
the  distinguished  Nashville  artist — and  Miss  Mary 
Lawrence,  daughter  of  William  Lawrence,  who  lived 
in  Wilson  County,  west  of  town.  Betty  lived  at  Gor- 
donsville. The  young  married  folks  and  their  friends, 
about  thirty  couples  in  all,  were  horseback,  and  stopped 
for  dinner  on  the  way  to  Gordonsville  for  the  'infair.' 
As  there  was  then  no  very  great  opposition  to  intoxi- 
cants, some  of  the  gentlemen  merrymakers  imbibed 
freely.  Two  guests  at  the  tavern  when  we  had  balls 
were   the    Misses    Roulstone,    relatives    of    the    pub- 

112 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Usher  of  the  first  Tennessee  newspaper,  the  Knoxville 
Gazette.  One  of  them  on  one  occasion  highly  incensed 
a  g-uest  by  refusing  to  dance  with  him  because  he  did 
not  wear  pumps." 

The  old  people  name  John  Vantrease  as  Alexan- 
dria's earliest  innkeeper.  Mrs.  Sallie  Browning  kept 
a  tavern  prior  to  the  days  of  the  Reece  House.  The 
Reece  House  was  in  later  years  conducted  by  T.  Wil- 
liams and  then  by  Joseph  Lawrence.  The  present 
well-patronized  hotel  is  owned  by  Byron  Bell. 

In  1846,  or  thereabout,  a  stock  company  built  a 
large  tavern  at  Smithville,  the  first  host  being  Dr.  G. 
W.  Eastham,  possibly.  On  January  2,  1852,  it  was 
incorporated.  The  incorporators  were:  Ransom 
Youngblood,  John  B.  Tubb,  Alex  Goodwin,  T.  B.  Fite, 
R.  C.  Sanders,  Charles  Schurer,  Samuel  Turner,  Elect 
Tubb,  James  Tubb,  William  Floyd,  Elias  Barbee,  W. 
H.  Magness,  W.  B.  Lawrence,  W.  W.  Wade,  William 
A.  Duncan,  and  M.  M.  Brien.  Was  it  leased  at  this 
time  by  Col.  John  H.  Savage?  The  oldest  member 
of  the  Tennessee  Conference,  Rev.  J.  W.  Cullom, 
says  Savage  was  in  control  of  it  in  1854.  The  builder 
of  the  tavern  was  said  to  have  been  David  Morrison, 
the  architect  of  the  State  prison.  It  changed  pro- 
prietors frequently.  It  was  once  purchased  by  David 
James,  who  sold  it  to  Matt  Lee,  then  by  B.  M.  Webb, 
and  is  now  owned  by  B.  M.  Cantrell. 

Beckwith  Place,  just  east  of  Snow's  Hill,  became 
very  popular  in  ante-bellum  days,  and  is  one  of  the 
best-known  landmarks  of  DeKalb  County.  Mrs.  Beck- 
with was  a  Miss  Roulstone,  of  the  Knoxville  family 
8  113 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

just  mentioned.  Beckwith  was  in  its  prime  when  Bon 
Air  Springs,  on  the  mountain,  was  m  its  heyday. 
Travelers  to  and  from  that  resort  Hked  to  spend 
a  while  at  Beckwith  Place.  Many  very  notable  guests 
have  been  sheltered  there. 

On  Snow's  Hill,  four  miles  west  of  Smithville, 
Thomas  Bradford  kept  a  famous  inn  at  the  sign  of  the 
Two  Cranes.  A  distinction  claimed  for  the  proprietor 
is  that  he  had  the  earliest  orchard  in  that  section,  not 
excepting  that  of  Giles  Driver,  the  pioneer,  who  lived 
to  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  four.  Luke  McDowell's 
tavern  was  not  far  from  Beckwith  Place,  a  mile  west- 
ward. After  the  War  between  the  States,  John  L. 
Boyd  occupied  the  ■McDowell  Inn. 

No  doubt  there  was  a  tavern  at  Sligo  Ferry,  on  the 
eastern  side  of  Caney  Fork  River  and  on  the  stage 
road.  It  was  a  very  important  point  at  one  time. 
Bird  S.  Rhea  and  A.  L.  Davis,  who  owned  a  large 
store  and  warehouse,  operated  the  ferry  and  that  end 
of  the  stage  road.  Sligo  was  the  head  of  navigation, 
and  the  firm  was  able  to  do  a  very  heavy  business  by 
loading  boats  at  Nashville  and  transporting  merchan- 
dise and  other  freight  to  Sligo.  Price's  stagecoaches 
traveled  that  way.  The  travel  by  stage,  carriages,  and 
freight  wagons  was  tremendous.  But  when  the  Nash- 
ville and  Chattanooga  Railroad  was  constructed  to 
McMinnville  Mr.  Rhea  saw  that  it  would  injure 
White  and  DeKalb  Counties  and  left  the  place  for 
Nashville,  where  he  became  a  factor  in  business  circles, 
as  is  his  son  now,  Isaac  T.  Rhea,  President  of  the  St, 
Louis  and  Tennessee  River  Packet  Company. 

T14 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

In  this  East  Middle  Tennessee  section  there  is  much 
picturesque  scenery.  Off  the  turnpike  some  miles  are 
the  Caney  Fork  "Narrows,"  where  the  river  makes  a 
nine-mile  bend,  but  comes  so  close  together  at  one 
point  that  one  can  stand  on  the  ridge  between  and  toss 
a  stone  into  the  current  on  either  side.  The  views  at 
Fall  Creek  and  Culcarmac  Falls,  also  in  the  boundaries 
of  DeKalb  County,  are  magnificent  and  inspiring. 
From  the  top  of  Snow's  Hill  (the  turnpike  passes 
over  the  summit,  a  distance  of  two  miles)  the  sight 
may  traverse  long  distances,  especially  south  and  west, 
taking  in  a  bewitching  panorama  in  winter  or  summer. 
On  each  side  are  deep  valleys,  gloomy  and  forested, 
and  miles  to  the  south  the  long,  hazy  crest  of  Short 
Mountain,  suggesting  the  back  of  leviathan  afloat 
upon  the  ocean  surface.  Traveling  westward,  there 
was  once  the  well-kept  Trough  Spring.  The  water, 
gushing  out  of  the  hill,  was  brought  down  to  the  pike 
in  wooden  "spouts"  to  a  very  capacious  trough.  Here 
the  stage  horses  were  checked  to  allay  their  thirst,  and 
it  is  doubtful  if  any  passenger  could  pass  without  de- 
siring to  quaff.  If  in  the  night,  the  trickle  and  mur- 
mur awoke  his  thirst ;  if  in  the  daytime,  the  sparkling 
streamlets  dashing  over  mossy  stones  had  the  same 
effect. 

Between  Dowelltown  and  Liberty  one  of  the  noisiest 
streams,  reminding  you  of  Browning's  "How  the 
Water  Comes  Down  at  Lodore,"  issues  from  the  Gin 
Bluff  cave  and  finds  silence  in  the  Crowder  Hole  of 
Smith  Fork.  It  used  to  run  a  cotton  gin  long  ago. 
On  Dry  Creek  the  stream  cast  out  of  a  cave  has  for 

115 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

three-quarters  of  a  century  furnished  the  power  to  run 
Crips's  Mill. 

Then  you  arrive  at  Liberty,  resting  like  a  sleeping 
hound  at  the  feet  of  a  dozen  lofty  hills — the  Barger 
and  Evans  hills  to  the  east,  the  Gin  Bluflf  and  Dismal 
hills  to  the  north,  to  the  west  the  Bethel  and  Lamberson 
hills,  and  to  the  south  the  Bratten,  Givan,  and  Clarke 
hills — cultivated  to  the  tops  and  hazy  in  summer,  in 
winter  drowsing  to  the  winds'  singing,  "The  heavens 
declare  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  firmament  showeth 
his  handiwork."  And  in  their  embrace  this :  Smith 
Fork  Creek  forming  a  silver  horseshoe,  great  bottom 
fields,  the  pioneer  graveyard  on  a  rise  covered  with 
pennyroyal  and  gashed  with  gullies,  the  battle  ground 
where  General  Winchester  fought  the  Cherokees,  the 
more  modern  cemetery  with  three  thousand  sleeping 
inhabitants,  and  a  village  so  queerly  arranged  that  the 
son  of  a  pioneer  once  described  it  as  being  three  miles 
long  and  thirty  feet  wide. 

""Still  going  westward,  the  road  crawls  by  the  beetling 
Allen  Bluff,  then  through  other  picturesque  hills  until 
Alexandria  is  passed  and  the  Wilson  County  line 
reached,  where  the  low  grounds  set  in. 

As  a  general  thing,  the  stage  drivers  were  "charac- 
ters." Didn't  they  have  a  right  to  feel  their  impor- 
tance and  to  exercise  their  prerogative  of  letting  a 
boy  swing  onto  the  boot  or  driving  him  away  with 
a  great  swipe  backward  with  the  whiplash?  Uncle 
Sam  depended  upon  tliem  to  be  on  schedule  time  with 
his  mail ;  the  traveling  public  was  also  beholden  to 
them  ;  and,  sitting  behind  four  horses,  manipulating 

ii6 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

the  lines  cleverly  if  not  pompously  as  the  milestones 
were  left  behind,  they  certainly  had  some  part  in  the 
nation's  affairs.  The  names  of  a  few  have  been  pre- 
served, and  for  the  sake  of  the  old-timers  who  knew 
some  of  them  in  the  flesh  and  of  the  one-time  boys 
whose  cherished  ambition  was  to  be  a  stage  driver 
and  at  night  toot  the  bugle  as  the  announcement  of  his 
approach  to  the  post  office  they  shall  be  recorded  here : 
Ben  Blades,  Yance  Lamb  (a  dandy),  Tom  Hearn, 
Josiah  Youngblood,  ]\Ir.  Angell,  Mr.  Kelley,  Mr. 
Bridges,  Mr.  Sadler,  Bob  Witt,  Abe  Witt,  Mr.  Potts, 
"Scotch  John."  Horace  McQuire,  Jim  Little,  Alose  and 
Charles  Vannata,  James  Dearman,  J.  H.  Meacham, 
Tom,  Jim,  and  William  Dearman,  Isaac  Borum  (who 
drove  about  twenty  years),  William  Lewis,  Sr.,  Wil- 
liam Lewis,  Jr.,  and  William  Robinson  (who  drove 
about  fifteen  years). 

So,  while  the  first  note  of  the  bugle  on  the  famous 
old  stage  road  was  a  reveille,  the  last  sound,  lingering 
mournfully  among  the  hills,  meant  taps  forever,  the 
old  order  giving  way  to  the  new. 

The  mail  is  now  delivered  to  the  four  principal  towns 
twice  a  day  and  once  on  Sunday.  The  postal  system 
must  have  been  very  unsatisfactory  to  the  people  a 
century  and  less  ago.  It  is  said  that  the  residents  of 
Liberty  for  a  long  while  had  to  go  to  Carthage,  which 
was  laid  off  in  1804,  and  other  points  to  mail  letters. 
As  late  as  1797  the  mail  to  Knoxville,  then  the  State 
capital,  arrived  only  twice  a  month.  It  must  have  been 
several  years  later  that  there  was  a  mail  route  to 
Liberty.     In  1789,  about  eight  years  before  the  first 

117 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

settler  came  to  Liberty,  there  were  only  seventy-five 
post  offices  in  the  United  States.  Postage  was  so  high 
and  ready  money  so  scarce,  as  stated  elsewhere,  that 
letters  often  remained  in  the  post  office  for  weeks  be- 
cause the  person  addressed  could  not  pay  the  postage. 
In  the  daybook  of  E.  Wright,  a  Liberty  merchant,  his 
customers  are  frequently  charged  postage.  It  may  be 
he  was  an  early  postmaster.  Thus  under  date  of  June 
23,  1832,  is  this  memorandum,  "Liberty  Lodge  No. 
'/'],  Dr.,  to  postage  paid  on  letter  from  G.  States  Secty., 
66  cents,"  and  this  under  date  of  August  20 :  "Lemuel 
H.  Bethel,  Dr.,  to  cash  to  pay  postage,  1834  cents." 
The  adhesive  postage  stamp  was  not  used  in  America 
until  1847.  The  method  was  to  fold  a  letter,  fasten  it 
with  sealing  wax  (no  envelope),  and  mail  it,  the  re- 
ceiver to  pay  the  postage.  The  rates  of  postage  from 
1789  to  1816  were:  For  any  distance  under  forty  miles, 
8  cents ;  under  ninety,  10  cents ;  under  one  hundred 
and  fifty,  I2j^  cents.  From  1816  to  1837  they  were: 
For  distances  under  thirty  miles,  6^4  cents;  under 
eighty,  10  cents ;  over  four  hundred,  25  cents ;  and 
these  rates  were  quadrupled  upon  letters  which 
weighed  an  ounce. 

118 


CHAPTER  XI. 
The  County  Seat, 

The  country  adjacent  to  Smith ville  was  settled  by 
a  most  worthy  class  of  people,  second  to  none  in  any 
part  of  the  county.  Old  names  that  come  to  mind  are : 
Giles  Driver,  Jesse  Allen,  Martin  Phillips,  Tobe  Mar- 
tin, Britton  Johnson,  Allan  Johnson,  James  Lockhart, 
John  Wooldridge,  J.  C.  Kennedy,  P.  G.  Magness, 
Zach  Lafever,  D.  League,  Henry  Cameron,  Bernard 
Richardson,  Samuel  Chandler,  Elijah  Chambers,  Ed- 
ward Hooper,  William  Adcock,  Luke  McDowell,  John 
Maynard,  the  Whaleys,  Wades,  Beckwiths,  Atwells, 
Bradfords,  Smiths,  Gilberts,  Dunlaps,  Colverts,  Pot- 
ters, Cantrells,  Pedigoes,  Isbells,  Bonds,  Bozarths, 
Rheas,  Davises,  Dearmans,  Wests,  Fosters,  Tyrees, 
Grays,  Magnesses,  Judkinses,  Titsworths,  Dentons, 
and  others. 

When  the  county  was  organized  at  Bernard  Rich- 
ardson's in  March,  1838,  a  committee,  composed  of 
Joseph  Clarke,  Thomas  Allen,  Joseph  Banks,  Watson 
Cantrell,  and  Thomas  Durham,  was  appointed  to  select 
a  site  for  the  seat  of  justice  and  erect  a  courthouse 
and  jail.  James  Dearman,  one  of  the  middle-aged 
men  of  Smithville,  thinks  the  center  of  the  county  was 
found  to  be  a  mile  north  of  the  present  Smithville;  but 
as  Bernard  Richardson  had  donated  fifty  acres  of  land 
for  the  town,  it  was  located  thereon.  But  Rev.  W.  P. 
Banks,  grandson  of  one  of  the  commissioners,  writes 
under  date  of  April  27,  1914:  "My  grandfather  was 

119 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

the  first  trustee  of  the  county  and  one  of  the  men  who 
located  the  county  seat.  It  was  first  selected  two  miles 
south  of  the  present  town  on  the  McMinnville  road ; 
but  when  on  digging  a  well  (the  mound  of  dirt  is  there 
now  plainly  visible)  the  commissioners  failed  to  get 
water  they  accepted  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Richardson, 
provided  they  should  find  water  for  the  public  well. 
Grandfather  was  a  leading  spirit  in  all  this." 

The  first  name  selected  in  the  original  bill  for  the 
seat  of  justice  was  Macon,  but  by  amendment  it  was 
changed  to  Smithville  in  honor  of  Samuel  G.  Smith, 
one  of  the  Secretaries  of  State,  who  died  in  1835.  Ke 
held  this  ofiice  from  1832  to  his  death. 

The  first  courthouse  was  soon  erected.  Prior  to 
1844  it  was  replaced  by  a  two-story  brick  building, 
costing  about  $6,000,  while  the  log  jail  was  replaced 
by  a  brick  structure,  costing  something  like  $2,500. 
Subsequent  to  1890  the  present  courthouse  was  erected. 

It  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  chronicle  the  fact  here 
that  on  August  28,  1890,  when  new  county  buildings 
were  seen  to  be  needed,  an  election  was  held  to  change 
the  county  seat.  A  site  was  oflfered  by  C.  W.  L.  Hale 
on  his  farm,  about  halfway  between  Dowelltown  and 
Liberty.  Much  excitement  prevailed,  the  election  re- 
sulting in  a  majority  for  no  removal. 

The  following  lawyers  have  been  residents  of  the 
county  at  various  times.  If  all  are  not  included,  it  is 
not  an  intentional  omission,  but  an  oversight:  M.  M. 
Brien,  J.  J.  Ford,  A.  M.  Savage,  J.  H.  Savage,  W.  W. 
Wade,  Sr.,  W.  W.  Wade,  Jr.,  John  B.  Robinson, 
Ralph  Robinson,   Solon  Robinson,  Joseph  Clarke,  J. 

120 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

W.  Clarke,  Robert  Cantrell,  William  B.  Stokes,  James 
A.  Nesmith,  Robert  C.  Nesmith,  T.  M.  Wade,  B.  M. 
Webb,  Boone  Trapp,  R.  M.  Magness,  W.  G.  Crowley, 
M.  A.  Crowley,  B.  M.  Cantrell,  J.  W.  Overall,  Alfred 
Smith,  B.  G.  Adcock,  P.  T.  Shore,  Alvin  Avent,  Will 
T.  Hale,  Dan  O.  Williams,  J.  W.  Botts,  John  Gothard, 
H.  A.  Bratten,  W.  D.  G.  Games,  R.  B.  Ander- 
son, I.  C.  Stone,  M.  D.  Smallman,  S.  H.  Collins, 
Richard  Saunders,  J,  J.  Foster,  B.  T.  R.  Foster, 
J.  B.  Foster,  W.  B.  Staley,  T.  J.  Bradford,  Pallas 
Smith,  White  Turney,  W.  B.  Corley,  M.  M.  Brien,  Jr., 
J.  M.  Allen,  Albert  McClellan,  R.  W.  Turner,  Joseph 
H.  Blackburn,  Caleb  Davis,  J.  W.  Parker,  Eli  Evans, 
D.  M.  Robinson,  L.  N.  Savage,  Thomas  Fisher,  Jr., 
J.  A.  Drake,  J.  E.  Drake,  P.  C.  Crowley,  William 
O'Conner,  J.  B.  Crowley,  R.  L.  Cantrell,  Brown  Davis, 
and  Dixie  W.  Floyd. 

The  following  were  practicing  in  the  county  in  1814: 
T.  W.  Wade,  Alvin  Avant,  J.  E.  Drake,  R.  L.  Turner, 
P.  C.  Crowley,  E.  G.  Lawson,  D.  M.  Robinson,  J.  B. 
Robinson,  J.  A.  Gothard,  Dixie  W.  Floyd,  Brown 
Davis,  Smithville;  W.  B.  Corley,  Dowelltown ;  James 
W.  Parker,  Alexandria ;  and  H.  A.  Bratten,  Liberty. 

These  have  occupied  the  bench  while  residents  of  the 
county  or  after  having  removed  therefrom:  M.  M. 
Brien,  Robert  Cantrell,  M.  D.  Smallman,  W.  G.  Crow- 
ley, W.  W.  Wade,  Jr.,  Thomas  Fisher,  and  John  Fite. 

The  act  to  incorporate  Smithville  was  passed  De- 
cember 4,  1843.  The  boundaries  were  as  follows: 
"Beginning  at  the  dwelling  house  of  E,  M.  North,  in- 
cluding the  sawmill ;  thence  to  the  southwest  corner 

121 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

of  the  plan  of  the  town ;  thence  east  with  the  line  of 
the  said  town  plan  to  the  northwest  corner  of  the  lot 
of  land  which  AI.  M.  Brien  purchased  from  John  C, 
Cannady ;  thence  with  the  lines  of  the  same  so  as  to 
include  it  in  the  town  plan ;  thence  a  direct  line  to  the 
stage  road  so  as  to  include  the  dwelling  house  of  P.  M. 
Wade;  thence  north  to  Fall  Creek;  thence  up  the  said 
creek  to  the  chalybeate  spring ;  thence  a  direct  line,  in- 
cluding the  dwelling  house  of  W.  W.  Wade,  to  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  original  town  plan ;  thence  to 
the  beginning."  As  in  other  towns  of  the  county,  the 
corporation  was  abolished  soon  after  the  four-mile  law 
was  enacted  to  secure  the  statute's  educational  benefits. 
Among  the  first  merchants  were  Willis  W.  Wade, 
P.  M.  Wade,  and  Samuel  Chandler.  Then  came  W. 
P.  Harvey,  P.  G.  Magness,  J.  M.  Allen,  W.  H.  Mag- 
ness,  J.  L.  Dearman,  George  Beckwith,  J.  Y.  Stewart, 
S.  B.  Whaley,  and  Elijah  Whaley.  Still  later  the  fol- 
lowing were  business  men :  R.  B.  West,  Isaiah  White, 
G.  R.  Smith  &  Son,  Black  &  Bond,  Smith  Bros.,  T.  B. 
Potter,  S.  D.  Blankenship,  J.  L.  Colvert,  Hooper  & 
Bro.,  D.  S.  Harrison,  F.  Z,  Webb,  A.  L.  Foster,  and 

E.  J.  Evans.  Business  is  carried  on  to-day  by  the  fol- 
lowing individuals  and  firms:  W.  H.  H.  Bond,  gen- 
eral merchant  and  undertaker,  in  business  40  years; 

F.  Z.  Webb,  druggist,  34;  H.  E.  Mason,  druggist,  10; 
Conger  Bros.,  gentlemen's  furnishing  goods,  11;  H. 
E.  Staley  &  Son,  dry  goods  and  shoes,  25 ;  J.  C.  Fos- 
ter &  Bro.,  grocery  and  hardware,  15;  Mrs.  W.  R. 
Smith,  millinery  and  dress  goods,  20;  S.  C.  Tyree, 
dry  goods  and  notions,  15;  W.  H.  Smith  &  Co.,  hard- 

122 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ware,  lo;  J.  C.  Bond  &  Bro.,  groceries;  Fred  Robin- 
son, groceries;  Potter,  Love  &  Hays,  ladies'  dress 
goods  and  millinery;  W.  L.  Taylor  &  Co.,  general 
store  and  freight  transferers ;  J.  E.  Foster,  groceries ; 
G.  S.  Davis,  groceries;  H.  Calhoun,  groceries;  Bur- 
ton &  Jennings,  groceries;  James  Burch,  general 
store ;  Young  &  Conger,  groceries  and  produce ;  Cash 
Hardware  Company,  W.  F.  Hooper  manager;  James 
Dearman,  hotel  and  livery  stable;  A.  H.  Lane,  livery 
stable;  Mrs.  E.  M.  Bailiflf,  hotel;  Mrs.  T.  W.  Wade, 
hotel;  E.  J.  Evans  &  Son,  spokes,  also  millers;  Sam 
McGuire,  barber;  Mart  Talley  (colored),  barber;  La- 
fayette Pack,  C.  Shaw,  C.  H.  Vickers,  and  George 
Summers,  blacksmiths;  Lee  Magness  and  Thomas 
Beckwith,  photographers. 

Among  the  early  physicians  were:  G.  W.  Eastham, 
Charles  Schurer,  J.  C.  Buckley,  E.  Tubb,  J.  C.  Cox, 
P.  C  Shields,  J.  S.  Harrison,  J.  J.  and  Isaac  Gowan, 
Dr.  Evans,  Dr.  Barnes,  and  Ben  Cantrell,  herbist. 
Later:  J.  Z.  Webb,  J.  S.  Fletcher,  T.  W.  Eaton,  A. 
Avant,  M.  L.  Wilson,  and  James  Womack.  Present: 
W.  W.  Parker,  W.  R.  Parker,  M.  L.  Wilson,  L.  D. 
Allen,  C.  A.  Loring,  and  T.  J.  Potter. 

Dentists,  J.  T.  Bell  and  E.  H.  Conger. 

The  Smithville  brass  band  of  twenty-one  pieces,  J. 
K.  Shields  leader,  has  a  well-merited  reputation 
throughout  DeKalb  and  surrounding  counties. 

A  number  of  tanyards  have  been  sunk  in  that  sec- 
tion from  an  early  day.  Among  the  first  were  Tom 
Roe's,  on  Snow's  Hill,  and  Henry  Gray's,  in  town.  J. 
L.  Colvert,  W.  H.  Magness,  and  D.  T.  Harrison  were 

123 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

formerly  in  this  business.  D.  T.  and  J.  B,  Harrison 
established  a  tobacco  factory  in  1879,  ^"^  fo^  years 
did  a  good  business,  as  did  the  Mack  Shores  factory. 

The  town  has  been  noted  for  its  excellent  schools, 
though  no  record  was  kept  of  the  old  field  variety. 
Fulton  Academy  drew  attention  to  the  county  seat  a 
score  of  years  before  the  War  between  the  States.  It 
was  incorporated  January  17,  1838,  with  these  as  trus- 
tees :  Thomas  Durham,  Moses  Pedigo,  Samuel  Allen, 
Martin  Philips,  and  Bernard  Richardson.  For  further 
references  to  this  subject  see  the  chapter  on  educa- 
tional matters. 

List  of  Smithville  postmasters  as  far  back  as  can  be 
ascertained :  J.  Y.  Stewart,  George  Beckwith,  "Big 
Jim"  Williams,  George  Bing,  Felix  Patterson,  Robert 
Black,  Ralph  Robinson,  J.  S.  Dunlap,  S.  P.  W.  Max- 
well, E.  K.  Atwell,  Dick  Goodson,  J.  H.  Christian, 
and  (present)  C.  W.  Moore. 

Like  Alexandria  and  Liberty,  Smithville  has  two 
banks — the  Farmers  and  Traders'  (J.  B.  Moore, 
Cashier)  and  the  People's.  The  latter  was  organized 
in  1903  with  a  capital  of  $15,000,  with  R.  B.  West, 
President,  and  J.  E.  Drake,  Cashier.  Its  resources  in 
1914  were  about  $75,000.  Present  officers:  W.  H. 
Davis,  President ;  F.  M.  Love,  Cashier ;  W.  L.  Davis, 
Assistant  Cashier. 

Mention  of  the  most  noted  Smithville  taverns  is 
given  in  the  chapter  on  "Stagecoach  and  Tavern 
Days."  It  is  thought  that  the  earliest  tavern  keeper 
was  Dr.  G.  W.  Eastham.  Then  there  were  Bernard 
Richardson    and    James    Erwin.      Dave    James    was 

124 


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History     of     DeKalb     County 

tavern  keeper  from  1850  to  i860,  and  Mack  Shores 
in  1861-62.  Tyree's  Hotel  has  long  been  a  favorite 
hostelry,  as  have  the  Dearman  House  and  Bailiff 
House.  A  correspondent  writes  that  many  years  ago 
there  was  a  village  adjacent  to  Smith ville,  a  suburb, 
"just  down  the  hill,  across  the  creek  and  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Sparta,"  called  Chalk  Hill,  and  that  Jack 
Frazier  kept  a  tavern  there.  Six  miles  from  Smith- 
ville  is  a  popular  summer  resort  called  Seven  Springs, 
J.  T.  Odum,  proprietor. 

Pearl-hunting  in  Caney  Fork  has  been  carried  on 
for  some  years,  pearls  bringing  from  $500  to  $1,800 
having  been  found.  John  Windham,  of  Smithville. 
was  one  of  the  most  successful  dealers.  S.  L.  Fitts, 
of  Temperance  Hall,  is  also  a  successful  dealer. 

There  are  no  stories  to  tell  of  the  old-time  modes 
of  punishment  of  criminals.  Before  Smithville  was 
thought  of,  whipping,  branding,  pillorying,  and  cutting 
off  the  ears  of  criminals  were  abolished — in  1829  as 
to  whites  and  in  183 1  as  to  negroes. 

Relative  to  the  early  transportation  of  freight,  Mr. 
Dearman  writes :  "The  produce  from  Sligo  Ferry,  on 
the  Caney  Fork  River,  was  carried  to  Nashville  in 
flatboats,  and  merchandise  which  the  people  needed 
was  brought  back  on  these  boats.  The  boats  were 
pushed  up  the  Cumberland  and  Caney  Fork,  and  it 
often  required  a  week  or  two  to  reach  Sligo.  J.  L. 
Dearman,  who  served  as  sheriff  of  the  county  three 
terms  and  twenty  years  as  a  magistrate,  Levi  Bozarth. 
William  Bozarth,  David  James,  Nat  Parker,  Dave 
Koger,  the  Phillipses,  and  the  Dildines  are  some  of  the 

125 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

men  who  made  runs  down  the  river  and  back.  While 
the  work  was  hard,  the  men  were  hardy  and  won  their 
way." 

Through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Tal  Allen,  now  an 
honored  citizen  of  Nashville,  this  list  of  papers  that 
have  been  published  in  the  town  since  the  war  is  fur- 
nished :  The  Highland  Sun,  A.  Max  Ford ;  the  Jour- 
nal, A.  C.  Carnes ;  the  Index,  W.  D.  Carnes ;  the 
Watchman  and  Critic,  Dozier  and  Kelly ;  and  the  Re- 
view, Frank  Wallace,  later  Eugene  Hendon. 

W.  D.  G.  and  W.  B.  Carnes  were  at  one  time  con- 
nected with  the  Index,  and  M.  L.  Fletcher  was  once  a 
Smithville  publisher. 

The  following  necrological  note  by  a  correspondent 
shows  the  sad  changes  that  have  taken  place  in  the 
population  in  the  last  generation :  "The  following  early 
citizens  of  Smithville  are  dead :  W.  G.  Crowley,  Chan- 
cellor for  many  years ;  Bernard  Richardson,  who  do- 
nated the  site  of  Smithville  to  the  county ;  Jack  Ken- 
nedy, Mexican  War  veteran  and  register  for  thirty 
years ;  J.  T.  Hollis,  who  served  as  County  and  Circuit 
Court  Clerk  and  Clerk  and  Master ;  Mr.  Dillard.  drug- 
gist ;  Joe  Stewart,  sheriff  and  old-time  slave  trader ; 
J.  L.  Dearman,  sheriff,  magistrate,  and  merchant ; 
'Sporting  Ike'  Hays ;  G.  R.  Smith,  merchant  and 
magistrate  for  twenty  years ;  T.  B.  Potter,  Confederate 
soldier,  merchant,  and  banker;  W.  C.  Potter,  merchant 
and  banker ;  Dave  James,  tavern  keeper ;  Mack  Shores, 
tavern  keeper ;  O.  B.  Staley,  merchant ;  J.  B.  Atwell, 
register  for  ten  years ;  J.  M.  Allen,  magistrate  for 
thirty  years  and  twice  representative ;  J.  L.  Colvert, 

126 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

merchant;  S.  D.  Blankenship,  merchant;  T.  N.  Chris- 
tian, Circuit  Court  Clerk  for  sixteen  years ;  T.  W. 
Shields,  Circuit  Court  Clerk  for  twelve  years;  Rev. 
J.  M.  Kidwell ;  Z.  P.  Lee,  County  Court  Clerk  for 
eight  years." 

But  time,  tide,  and  progress  await  no  man.  Smith- 
ville  is  to-day  a  pretty  and  thriving  town  of  about  one 
thousand  inhabitants.  "The  turnpike  from  the  town 
to  Snow's  Hill,"  writes  a  correspondent,  "resembles 
an  urban  avenue — new  houses  all  along  where  thirty 
years  ago  none  were  to  be  seen.  From  Smithville  to 
Sparta  you  are  never  out  of  sight  of  new  residences 
and  barns.  People  from  the  Caney  Fork  River  and 
hill  country  have  been  buying  the  land  and  moving  to 
it.  Even  a  dweller  of  the  western  section — the  Basin — 
admits  this  fact :  'I  am  not  sure  but  the  flatwoods 
show  more  thrift  to-day  than  any  other  part  of  the 
county.'  Smithville  has  a  flour  mill,  a  spoke  and 
handle  factory,  two  banks,  a  paper,  churches,  and 
several  general  stores.  The  buildings  are  all  com- 
paratively new,  only  three  or  four  of  those  built  forty 
years  ago  standing;  while  every  road  leading  out  from 
one  to  eight  miles  is  macadamized.  Perhaps  much 
of  its  prosperity  is  due  to  the  enterprise  of  the  farmers 
who  have  recently  bought  the  lands  surrounding  and 
the  awakened  energy  of  the  descendants  of  the  pio- 
neers," 

Smithville  is  a  charming  and  prosperous  inland 
town  and  growing.  Its  distance  from  Nashville  is 
sixty-seven  miles. 

127 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Historical  Jetsam. 

In  a  history  of  Kentucky  by  Prof.  N.  S.  Shaler,  who 
for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  filled  the  chair 
of  Agassiz  at  Harvard  University,  it  is  shown  that  by 
actual  measurement  the  Tennessee  and  Kentucky  sol- 
diers in  the  War  between  the  States  were  the  largest 
in  the  army  and  in  the  world. 

DeKalb  County  has  been  noted  for  its  large  and 
strong  men.  Commercial  travelers  and  others  have 
remarked  upon  the  fact.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  no 
county  of  the  same  population  can  show  a  larger  num- 
ber. 

"Big"  Bill  Evans,  once  county  trustee,  weighed  in 
his  prime  about  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  pounds. 
Mrs.  Matilda  Huggins,  his  sister,  weighed  probably 
more.  William  B.  Preston  was  about  the  size  of 
Evans,  and  his  mother  weighed  about  three  hundred 
pounds.  Fox  Frazier  (hog  trader),  his  brother  Henry, 
John  Parker  (of  Dismal  Creek),  Col.  James  Tubb, 
James  Fuston  (tavern  keeper),  Presley  Adamson, 
Henry  L.  Turner,  Francis  Turner,  James  Stark,  Lan- 
don  Richardson,  Bill  Garrison,  Aaron  Frazier.  Sr., 
William  Estes,  Moses  and  John  Spencer,  Jim  Willi.- 
Thomas  Roe,  George  and  Thomas  E.  Bratten,  Bart 
Pack,  George  Givan,  Sr.,  William  G.  Bratten,  Jack 
Tubb,  Rev.  Natty  Hayes,  Gips  West — such  men, 
weighing  from  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds 
up,  could  be  named  in  scores. 

There  were  other  men  noted  more  for  their  strength 

128 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

than  for  their  size,  though  all  were  probably  above  the 
average  in  weight.  Ben  Cantrell,  of  the  Smithville 
neighborhood,  once  lifted  with  apparent  ease  twelve 
hundred  pounds  of  brass  while  in  Nashville.  Ben 
Denny  was  another  noted  strong  man  of  Smithville. 
A  pioneer  shoemaker  of  Liberty,  John  Woodside, 
placed  his  shoulders  under  an  average-sized  horse  and 
lifted  him  clear  of  the  ground.  John  Spencer,  also 
of  Liberty,  carried  a  bag  containing  five  bushels  of 
wheat  (300  pounds)  five  miles  to  mill.  There  were 
three  or  four  of  these  Spencers,  all  large  and  power- 
ful. It  is  possible,  even  probable,  that  they  were  re- 
lated to  John  Sharpe  Spencer,  the  giant  who  lived  in 
Sumner  County  in  a  hollow  tree  before  James  Robert- 
son made  his  settlement  at  Nashville.  A  number  of 
the  pioneers  went  farther  into  the  wilderness  as  the 
Cumberland  country  was  settled. 


As  to  men  of  great  height,  Dr.  J.  G.  Squires  was 
probably  the  tallest.  He  stood  six  feet  seven  and  a 
half  inches  in  his  stockings,  but  would  not  weigh  more 
than  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds.  "Curl"  Jennings, 
who  resided  for  some  years  at  Dowelltown,  was  not 
less  than  six  feet  six  inches  and  weighed  close  to 
three  hundred  pounds.  A  Mr.  Brashear,  over  the 
average  in  size,  had  an  attack  of  typhoid  while  board- 
ing with  Jennings.  Each  had  a  pair  of  trousers  made 
from  the  same  bolt.  When  recovering,  Brashear  de- 
cided to  sit  up  a  few  moments.  As  it  happened,  Jen- 
nings's trousers  were  hanging  on  a  near-by  chair. 
Believing  them  his,  he  slipped  them  on.  When  he  saw 
9  129 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

how  they  hung  in  great  folds  and  bags  on  him,  he  fell 
back  weakly  on  the  bed,  exclaiming:  "Great  heavens! 
If  I've  fallen  off  so  much,  there's  no  use  trying  to  go 
about!"  John  Gann,  of  Liberty,  was  about  as  tall  as 
Jennings  and  rather  thin.  One  day  in  front  of  a 
saloon  John  Vandigriff,  short  and  stocky,  sidled  up  to 
him  and  said:  "Mr.  Gann,  please  hand  me  down  one 
o'  them  buzzards  flyin'  over."  Milton  Ward,  a  well- 
known  old  field  teacher,  was  about  six  feet  six  inches 
tall  and  required  a  special  bedstead  made  for  his  use. 
Jim  Willis,  fist  fighter,  of  Smithville,  was  six  feet  four 
inches  tall,  weighing  about  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  pounds.  He  was  somewhat  stooped,  his  arms 
were  extremely  long,  while  his  eyes  were  deep-blue 
and  deep-set.  While  he  did  not  appear  to  delight  in 
bloodshed,  it  is  believed  that  he  had  a  natural  inclina- 
tion to  fight.  During  the  war  he  lived  in  Missouri 
and  belonged  to  Quantrell's  guerrillas.  One  who  knew 
him  says  that  his  scalp  was  as  rough  as  a  turtle's  back, 
due  to  scars  made  by  rocks,  knife  thrusts,  and  club 
blows.  Landon  Richardson,  of  Liberty,  weighing  two 
hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds,  was  usually  depu- 
tized in  ante-bellum  times  to  arrest  dangerous  charac- 
ters who  came  to  the  village.  He  was  not  a  "bully," 
but  powerful  and  fearless.  It  is  tradition  that  on  one 
occasion  he  put  to  flight  seven  "bad  men"  from  Hel- 
ton Creek  who  had  attacked  him.  Firearms  were  not 
used  in  brawls  then. 

The  two  men  who  had  the  distinction  of  being  the 
smallest  in  the  county  were  Frank  Foster,  of  Liberty, 
and  Thornton  Christy,  of  Alexandria. 

130 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Mention  has  been  made  in  the  sketch  of  Temperance 
Hall  of  the  disappearance  of  William  G.  Stokes. 
Other  mysteries  have  puzzled  the  people  and  tried  the 
souls  of  the  parents  of  the  missing  men.  Dr.  Foster, 
who  was  given  the  story  by  an  aged  relative,  says  that 
Frank  Givan,  son  of  the  second  Circuit  Court  Clerk, 
started  horseback  to  visit  relatives  in  Maryland  early 
in  the  nineteenth  century.  He  was  never  heard  from 
again,  and  he  nor  his  horse  could  be  traced  out  of  the 
Liberty  community.  Was  he  murdered  for  his  money  ? 
Did  he  sink  in  quicksand,  then  supposed  to  exist  in  the 
county?  The  wildest  rumors  were  afloat.  Years 
afterwards  a  skeleton  was  found  in  a  hollow  tree  on 
Dry  Creek,  and  some  thought  this  the  solution  of  the 
problem.  Isaac  Evans,  son  of  Reuben  Evans,  went 
with  W.  B.  Preston  and  others  to  California  durinsr 
the  excitement  over  the  finding  of  gold.  He  was 
heard  from  once,  his  letter  stating  that  he  had  joined 
William  Walker's  filibusters.  No  other  tidings  have 
ever  reached  his  friends  or  relatives,  though  sixty- 
five  years  have  gone  by. 


Clay  lamps,  burning  grease,  were  used  in  kitchens 
some  years  after  the  war.  Candles,  often  made  of  tal- 
low, were  used  by  the  grandfathers  for  illumination. 
As  there  were  no  matches  in  general  use  until  about 
1830,  we  know  that  the  tinder  box,  flint,  and  steel  were 
kept  for  starting  fires  by  the  early  DeKalb  Countians. 


Dr.    G.    C.    Flowers,    an    ante-bellum    resident    of 
Liberty,  was  regarded  as  the  most  extensively  read 

131 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

man  in  the  county  in  his  day,  as  far  as  general  litera- 
ture is  concerned.  Dr.  John  S.  Fletcher,  who  died  in 
Smithville  in  1877  (graduated  from  three  universities, 
among  them  the  University  of  Pennsylvania)  and  was 
surgeon  in  Gen.  John  C.  Brown's  brigade  at  the  close 
of  the  war  of  1861-65,  had  a  distinction  in  after  years 
similar  to  that  of  Dr.  Flowers. 


The  county  has  produced  some  men  of  more  than 
local  reputation,  but  the  writer  recalls  but  one  instance 
in  which  the  people  contributed  of  their  means  to 
erect  a  memorial  to  any  DeKalb  Countian.  It  is  worth 
thinking  about.  The  one  thus  honored  was  neither 
jurist,  minister,  statesman,  editor,  captain  of  industry, 
author,  scholar,  nor  military  chieftain.  He  was  a 
very  plain,  unassuming  man,  who  out  of  sympathy 
for  the  bereaved  and  their  dead  made  it  convenient  to 
help  dig  the  graves  of  his  neighbors  for  nearly  or  quite 
threescore  years.  The  marble  shaft  over  W.  H. 
(Hamp)  Woodside's  grave  at  Liberty  is  proof  that  a 
noble  heart  is  still  regarded  as  more  than  mere  worldly 
success. 


Mention  might  be  made  of  many  DeKalb  Countians 
with  rare  or  bizarre  qualities,  such  as  the  one  who 
could  never  be  made  to  answer  yes  or  no  directly  and 
another  who  spoke  as  if  always  quoting,  as,  "I'm  not 
feeling  well  to-day,  as  the  old  saying  is";  but  to  give 
the  story  complete  much  more  space  would  be  required 
than  can  be  offered  in  this  history. 

132 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Hundreds  of  names  of  citizens  once  familiar  in  the 
county  are  recorded  in  these  pages,  it  will  be  noticed. 
Of  their  owners  little  more  can  be  said  now  than  that 
their  graves  are  green.  It  is  pathetic.  But,  to  para- 
phrase Burns, 

Should  auld  cognomens  be  forgot, 
And  never  brought  to  min'? 

A  Striking  thing  about  the  names  is  the  absence  of 
foreign  ones.  The  foreparents  were  of  Anglo-Saxon 
stock.  Some  names  were  queer :  Esau  Pack,  Giles 
Driver,  Sim  Hathaway,  Bob  Prydy,  Pack  Florida, 
Enoch  George,  Gil  Etheridge,  Cantrell  Bethel,  Cicero 
Duncan,  Caleb  Davis,  Seaborn  Harts,  Brown  Harri- 
man,  Crofford  Rankhorn,  John  Shehane,  Daniel  Rat- 
lige,  Poindexter  Joins,  Nehemiah  Garrison,  Con- 
gelius  Burrip,  Jonas  Nokes,  Iradel  March,  Conrad 
Lamberson,  James  R.  Gapway,  Brice  Parsley,  Zene 
Crips,  John  Canler,  Seth  Whaley,  Archamac  Bass, 
Crag  Parsons,  Acenith  Fite,  Brackett  Estes,  Thomas 
Durham,  Edwin  Shumway,  Randall  Pafiford,  King 
Herod,  William  Mooneyham,  Cain  Adams,  Lito  Hul- 
lett,  June  Driver,  Leven  Gray,  Friday  Martin,  Samuel 
Casey,  Tucker  Woodson,  Festus  Moses  (the  great 
walnut  buyer),  Goodman  Mallon,  Telford  Steele, 
Park  Amonett,  Vincent  Manor,  Bart  Nonnelly,  Emory 
Cubbins,  Mikel  Etheridge,  Irwin  Page,  Fuller  Sanlin, 
and  North  Reynolds.  Others  were  musically  allitera- 
tive: Edmondson  Elkins,  Nelson  New,  Mat  Martin. 
Lee  Lafever,  Leonard  Lamberson,  Benjamin  Blades, 
Sylvanus  Stokes,  Kern  Clark,  Rich  Richardson,  Elam 
Edge,  Pleasant  Pistole,  Dempsey  Driver,  Fox  Frazier, 

133 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Hardin  Hardcastle,  Henry  Helmantaller,  Hawkins 
Heflin,  Rison  Roland,  Tolliver  Turner,  William 
Wellaby,  Wylie  Wilder,  George  Givan,  Moses 
Mathews,  Henry  Horn,  Alex  Armstrong,  Henry  Hart, 
German  Gossett,  Philip  Palmer,  Henry  Hass,  Martin 
Murphy,  Ben  Brownin,  Thomas  Terry,  James  Jones, 
Thomas  Tyree,  Willis  Wade,  William  Wright,  Archi- 
bald Allen,  Elial  Elston,  William  Wilson,  Shines  Scrib- 
ner,  Abe  Adams,  Frank  Foster,  Hiram  Hildreth, 
Travers  Tarpley,  David  Dirting,  Mickeral  Manning, 
Morris  Marcum,  Hart  Hinesly,  Ephraim  Evans,  Arch 
Allen,  and  Samson  Sellars. 

As  observed  elsewhere,  the  names  of  a  number  of 
families  figure  no  longer  in  the  county's  activities. 
Some  of  the  settlers  died ;  others  moved  to  different 
sections.  Now  and  then  one  hears  of  a  few  of  their 
descendants :  John  C.  Floyd,  of  Arkansas,  and  Fred- 
eric Barry,  of  INIississippi,  who  became  members  of 
Congress  from  their  adopted  States;  M.  M.  Brien  and 
Robert  Cantrell,  noted  lawyers  and  jurists ;  Bird  S. 
Rhea,  Ed  Reece,  R.  B.  Wright,  Cicero  Duncan,  Church 
Anderson,  James  Yeargin,  and  Len  F.  Davis,  all  promi 
nent  in  the  business  world,  Mr.  Davis  in  1914  having 
the  distinction  of  being  the  senior  of  Nashville's  whole- 
sale merchants  in  point  of  service. 


There  were  (and  are  still)  in  the  county  many  racy 
local  characters  of  a  type  one  rarely  ever  meets  in 
large  towns,  where  personalities  lose  their  distinctness 
of  outline  like  coins  which  pass  innumerable  times 
across  shop  counters.     Such  were  Jonas  Nokes,  Ross 

134 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Keith,  "Sporting  Ike"  Hays,  and  others.  Some  were 
natural  wits  and  humorists,  whose  drolleries  have  been 
kept  alive  by  the  joke-loving  DeKalb  Countians,  The 
writer  thinks  none  excelled  four  or  five  Liberty  wits — 
Hamp  Woodside,  Blue  Givan,  Pole  Woodside,  Jr., 
Thomas  Vick,  James  Burton,  and  M,  C.  Vick.  Dr. 
Foster  avers  that  Thomas  Askew  was  the  wittiest 
man  he  ever  knew.  Such  little  sallies  as  these,  handed 
down  from  father  to  son,  approach  the  character  of 
folk  tales: 

Shed  Lawson,  who  resided  in  Alexandria  many 
years  ago,  was  noted  for  his  cheerful  disposition,  de- 
spite the  fact  that  his  treasury  of  worldly  goods  was 
small,  and  for  his  ready  wit  on  any  occasion  requiring 
quick  repartee.  When  the  circus  comes  to  town,  the 
parade  is  sure  to  gather  the  crowd.  One  day  Shed 
and  his  little  son,  who  always  accompanied  him  like 
his  shadow,  were  following  the  clown.  The  latter, 
on  his  pony  and  diked  out  in  conventional  cap  and 
bells,  was  shouting  his  badinage  to  the  sight-seers. 
Seeing  Shed,  he  said :  "Here,  mister,  I  want  to  hire 
that  boy."  Sensing  a  chance  maybe  to  get  his  admis- 
sion fee  easily,  the  Alexandrian  asked  what  he  wanted 
the  lad  to  do.  "I  want  him  to  blow  my  nose,"  the 
clown  said.  "O,  well,  now,"  retorted  Shed  loudly  and 
without  hesitation,  "ef  you  will  jest  wait  a  little  while, 
jedgin'  from  appearances,  the  flies  will  blow  it  fer 
you." 

Speaking  of  noses,  Littleberry  Vick,  of  Liberty,  as 
well  as  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  possessed  a  prominent 
nose.    One  day  he  and  William  Burton  were  arguing 

135 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

over  some  political  issue.  Directly  Mr.  Vick,  some- 
what irritated,  said:  "Billy  Burton,  you  never  could 
see  an  inch  beyond  your  nose."  "And,  Berry  Vick," 
replied  Mr.  Burton,  "if  you  could  see  an  inch  beyond 
your  nose,  you  could  see  into  another  county," 

Matthew  Sellars,  a  pioneer  of  Dry  Creek  and  a 
first-class  citizen,  had  no  blasphemy  in  his  heart  when, 
after  a  storm  one  night,  he  went  out  and  looked  on 
the  wreck  the  wind  had  made  of  the  timber  and  young 
corn  in  the  new  ground.  Returning  to  the  house,  he 
said  to  his  wife  in  a  low  tone :  "Charlotte,  don't  whis- 
per it  above  your  breath ;  but,  taking  the  Almighty  up 
one  side  and  down  the  other,  it  seems  he  does  about 
as  much  harm  as  good." 

There  is  no  spot  of  earth  where  the  people  apply  the 
title  of  uncle  and  aunt  more  industriously  than  in  the 
DeKalb  County  Basin.  When  it  is  applied  to  a  neigh- 
bor, it  is  an  indication  that  he  is  getting  old.  It  also 
signifies  reverence.  Some  wag  thereaway  once  ob- 
served:  "There  are  four  periods  in  the  life  of  a  man. 
As  a  child  he  is  Bobby,  as  a  young  man  he  is  Bob,  in 
his  prime  he  is  Uncle  Bob,  and  after  threescore  and 
ten  he  is  Old  Uncle  Bobby."  Some  there  were  who 
objected  to  having  the  title  of  age  thus  thrust  upon 
them,  and  one  was  William  Vick,  the  Liberty  mer- 
chant. One  day  he  was  sitting  in  front  of  his  store. 
Dempsy  Driver  rode  by  and,  bowing,  said:  "Good 
morning,  Uncle  Bill."  Turning  to  a  companion,  Vick 
said  dryly  and  somewhat  resentfully:  "Another 
nephew." 

Thomas  Askew  was  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  War. 

136 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


Becoming  ill,  he  died,  to  all  appearances ;  doctors  and 
nurses  pronounced  him  dead.  His  coffin  was  brought 
in  and  placed  near  the  cot  where  he  was  "laid"  out. 
He  revived  when  left  alone  for  a  few  minutes  and  sa\ 
the  coffin.  Having  been  a  DeKalb  official,  he  reached 
for  a  pencil  and  wrote  on  top  of  the  casket:  "No 
property  found.    T.  B.  Askew,  constable." 

Reuben  Evans,  farmer,  magistrate,  and  rock  mason, 
was  sincere  and  matter-of-fact.  He  was  also  cau- 
tious, extremely  so,  and  one  cannot  imagine  him  guilty 
of  exaggeration  in  praise  or  blame.  While  he  was 
doing  some  stonework  for  C.  W.  L.  Hale,  the  latter'? 
child  said  something  the  father  regarded  as  bright 
and  cute.  "Now,  Uncle  Reuben,"  said  he,  "wasn't 
that  just  too  much?"  "Really,"  Mr.  Evans  replied 
deliberately  and  carefully,  "I  can't  say  it  was  too  much, 
but  it  was  a  good  deal." 

Dr.  J.  W.  Campbell  had  a  farm  in  a  very  deep  hol- 
low a  mile  west  of  Liberty.  One  afternoon  his  tenant 
hauled  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of  hay  to 
the  village.  As  he  passed  Blue  Givan's  store  some  one 
remarked  that  it  was  a  very  small  load  for  two  horses 
to  haul  all  the  way  to  town.  "But  you  must  recollect 
that  when  you  come  out  of  a  jug  you  have  to  come  out 
with  a  small  load,"  said  Givan. 

Jacob  Adcock,  south  of  Smithville  and  formerly 
a  representative  from  Cannon  County,  bought  a 
broken-down  stallion  for  $15,  fed  him  on  roasting 
ears,  groomed  him  all  times  of  day,  and  kicked  and 
punched  him  to  make  him  gay.  Then  he  got  out  on 
the  fence  to  watch  for  a  victim.    Rev.  William  Daw- 

137 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

son,  riding  by  on  a  fine  black  mare,  was  bantered  for 
a  trade.  "The  horse  is  a  top-notcher,"  said  Adcock, 
"but  too  young  and  spry  for  an  old  man  like  me."  As 
they  approached  the  stable  the  horse  saw  his  master, 
then,  walling  his  eyes  and  snorting,  tried  to  climb  out 
of  the  stall.  His  coat  glistened,  so  that  he  looked  as 
well  as  he  acted.  The  trade  was  made,  the  parson 
giving  the  black  mare,  a  watch,  and  a  note  for  $50 
for  the  stallion.  At  the  Short  Mountain  camp  meeting 
some  weeks  later,  after  the  stallion  had  retrograded 
to  the  $15  class  again,  Adcock  professed  religion.  As 
he  was  going  home  Dawson  overtook  him,  said  he 
was  glad  God  had  pardoned  his  sins,  then  suggested 
that  he  ought  to  return  some  of  the  money  he  swindled 
out  of  Dawson  through  the  horse  trade.  "I  don't  see 
it  that  way.  Brother  Dawson,"  replied  Adcock.  "When 
the  Lord  pardoned  my  sins  he  included  the  horse 
swap." 

138 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
Smaller  Villages  of  the  County. 

Hon.  J.  M.  Allen  once  averred  that  his  father. 
Jesse  Allen,  a  Virginian,  entered  the  land  on  Smith 
Fork  Creek  from  John  Corley's  farm  to  Lancaster, 
one  mile  on  each  side  of  the  creek,  but  sold  his  rights 
for  $400,  after  which  he  entered  a  tract  in  another 
part  of  the  county  that  became  DeKalb.  Lower  Smith 
Fork  Valley  is  one  of  the  most  fertile  sections  in  Mid- 
dle Tennessee,  and  the  wonder  is  that  the  pioneers 
could  see  no  farther  ahead. 

Dr.  R.  M.  Mason  says  Samuel  Caplinger.  a  large 
landholder,  built  the  mill  and  house  which  were  later 
owned  by  Nicholas  Smith  and  which  formed  the 
nucleus  of  Temperance  Hall.  The  late  A.  P.  Smith, 
son  of  Nicholas,  has  stated  that  the  village  received 
its  name  from  the  fact  that  the  Sons  of  Temperance 
used  to  hold  their  meetings  on  the  second  floor  of  his 
father's  residence.  It  was  named  then,  after  1848,  for 
the  elder  Smith  in  that  year  removed  from  Wilson 
County  to  Temperance  Hall,  the  site  being  in  Smith 
County.  By  act  of  February  i,  1850,  the  line  was 
changed  so  as  to  include  in  DeKalb  County  the  farms 
and  homes  of  Smith,  Andrew  Vantrease,  John  Robin- 
son, and  others.  By  the  same  act  John  F.  Goodner's 
farm,  near  Alexandria,  was  taken  into  DeKalb,  as  has 
been  seen. 

The  men  who  located  at  and  around  Temperance 
Hall  in  the  first  years  of  the  nineteenth  century  were, 

139 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

many  of  them,  of  unusual  force  of  character  and  a 
number  in  affluent  circumstances:  Samuel  Caplinger, 
Alex  Robinson,  Stephen  Robinson,  Nicholas  Smith, 
Daniel  Ford,  John  Mason,  John  Corley,  James  Simp 
son,  Matthew  Simpson,  John  Lamberson,  George  Kel- 
ley,  Jack  Reynolds,  Peter  Reynolds,  the  Drivers,  Bates, 
Lawrences,  Lancasters,  Oakleys,  Hayeses,  Tubbs, 
Stephens,  Kelleys,  Fishers,  Stokeses,  and  others. 

Owing  to  the  distinction  to  which  two  members  of 
the  Stokes  family  reached  in  the  State  (William  B. 
and  Jordan),  it  is  pertinent  to  record  that  their  father. 
Sylvanus,  had  started  from  North  Carolina  to  locate 
on  his  land,  near  the  present  Temperance  Hall,  when 
his  team  ran  away,  and  he  was  killed.  Mrs.  Stokes, 
with  her  three  children,  Thomas,  William  B.,  and  Jor- 
dan, and  a  Mr.  Kelly,  continued  the  journey,  reaching 
this  country  in  1818.  Some  years  later  the  widow 
married  Mr.  Kelly  and  settled  near  or  in  Temperance 
Hall.  To  them  were  born  Harry  and  Rufus  Kelly 
and  two  daughters,  one  becoming  Mrs.  Mike  Lan- 
caster and  the  other  Mrs.  Thomas  Lancaster.  Thomas 
Stokes  became  a  farmer.  Of  him  a  reliable  citizen, 
a  former  neighbor,  writes:  "He  was  at  one  time  the 
richest  man  in  DeKalb  County,  having  at  the  close  of 
the  war  of  1861-65  about  fifty  negroes  and  large  land 
interests.  He  was  a  fire-eating  secessionist,  as  was  his 
brother  William  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  though 
the  latter  became  a  Federal.  Everything  Thomas 
had  that  was  loose  at  both  ends  was  taken  from  him 
by  Federal  soldiers.  For  intelligence  and  fine  mother 
wit  he  was  the  superior  of  either  Colonel  Bill  or  Jor- 

140 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

clan,  but  his  fault  was  a  fondness  for  alcoholic  drink. 
He  gave  way  to  this  habit  after  the  war  and  died 
poor  and  almost  an  imbecile.  A  son  of  Thomas  was 
William  G.  I  can  just  remember  him.  A  year  or 
more  prior  to  the  war  he  started  south  with  a  drove 
of  hogs  and  was  never  heard  of  more.  Sylvanus, 
another  son,  the  youngest,  fought  through  the  war 
for  the  Confederacy  and  died  a  few  years  ago.  He 
was  one  man  in  the  county  who,  in  a  threatened  diffi- 
culty, made  Capt.  W.  L.  Hathaway  'take  water.'  " 

Early  merchants  of  Temperance  Hall  were  John 
Mason,  Dr.  Arch  Robinson,  and  Mr.  Rodgers.  The 
two  first  were  in  business  about  1851-52;  the  last- 
named,  who  was  there  about  1855  to  i860,  was  North- 
ern-born and  returned  to  that  section.  Present  busi- 
ness men :  L.  Driver  (who  also  twice  represented  the 
county  in  the  legislature),  Williams  &  Terry,  J.  H. 
Close  &  Son.  Turner  &  McBride,  J.  R.  Kelley,  and  L. 

B.  Midgett.  The  flour  mill  is  operated  by  the  Tem- 
perance Hall  Milling  Company. 

Dr.  Arch  Robinson,  father  of  the  late  Dr.  W.  H. 
Robinson,  of  Liberty,  was  one  of  the  early  physicians. 
Following  his  death,  his  brother,  Dr.  William  B. 
Robinson,  located  in  the  village.  After  the  war  Dr. 
Thomas  Gold  entered  that  field.  Other  physicians 
have  been  Drs.  R.  M.  Mason,  G.  W.  Martin,  and  S. 

C.  Robinson.  Dr.  Samuel  Walker  was  for  some  years 
practicing  in  that  region. 

One  of  the  earlier  teachers  was  Mrs.  Stephens. 
Others  were  Mr.  Bush,  Mr.  Hatcher.  A.  L.  Reynolds, 
A.  L.  Malone,  E.  W.  Brown,  J.  W.  Thomison  (now  a 

141 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

lawyer  of  Nashville),  Joseph  Ford,  Dr.  Thomas  Ford, 
and  Frank  Foster.  The  present  teachers  are  Leroy 
Smith  and  Miss  Stella  Young.  Miss  Lizzie  Simpson 
taught  in  the  vicinity  some  years  following  the  war. 

The  Southern  Methodists  have  a  good  church  in 
the  hamlet.  A  Baptist  church  and  Pisgah,  the  latter 
belonging  to  the  Northern  wing  of  the  ^Methodists, 
are  located  a  short  distance  out.  The  Disciples  also 
have  a  congregation  at  this  place. 

Dowelltown,  on  the  Lebanon  and  Sparta  Turnpike 
and  two  miles  north  of  Liberty,  is  on  land  settled  some 
years  after  1800.  Thomas  Dale,  of  Maryland,  seems 
to  have  bought  up  some  of  the  claims  of  Revolutionary 
soldiers  of  North  Carolina.  At  any  rate,  he  held  war- 
rants for  much  of  the  land  around  the  village. 

Levi  Gray  became  possessed  of  a  tract  on  the  south 
side  of  the  creek,  living  in  the  house  east  of  the  cov- 
ered bridge,  which  was  later  occupied  by  Frank 
Dowell.  It  belonged  to  the  Grays  for  years,  and  their 
family  graveyard  was  across  the  turnpike  west  of  the 
residence.  The  estate  was  inherited  by  Isaac  Gray, 
who  married  a  Miss  Dowell.  He  died  and  left  two 
children,  Harriet  and  Melvina. 

Frank  Dowell  married  the  widow  Gray,  his  cousin, 
and  lived  on  the  farm  until  the  close  of  the  War  be- 
tween the  States,  when  he  removed  to  Arkansas.  At 
one  time  he  represented  his  county  in  the  Arkansas 
Legislature.     Dowelltown  was  named  for  him. 

Frank  Dowell  sold  the  Dowelltown  property  to  Rev. 
John  Hunt,  a  Baptist  minister  from  East  Tennessee. 
Hunt   exchanged    it    for   land   belonging   to    Sanford 

142 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


Mann,  who  came  from  the  North  after  the  war  and 
was  the  first  ferrotype  artist  of  Liberty  after  peace. 
Mann  sold  to  Thomas  Chapman.  The  present  owner 
is  John  Robinson,  a  son  of  the  pioneer,  Edward  Robin- 
son. 

The  country  adjacent  to  Dowelltown  was  settled  by 
as  high-class  men  as  any  mentioned  in  other  sections 
of  the  county.  Among  them  were  Robin  Forrester, 
William  and  Samson  Williams,  Matthew  Sellars,  Ben- 
jamin Avant,  David  Fite,  Alex  Robinson,  George 
Barnes,  Edward  Robinson,  the  Yeargins,  the  Harts, 
the  Fraziers,  the  Bankses,  the  Snows,  the  Turners,  and 
others. 

The  first  storehouse  was  erected  about  1869  where 
the  Barger  Hollow  Lane  intersects  with  the  Lebanon 
and  Sparta  Turnpike,  and  probably  the  first  merchant 
was  James  Ashworth.  In  the  same  building  the  fol- 
lowing successively  had  stocks  of  merchandise :  James 
Fuson,  William  Wall,  Bratten  &  Tumey,  Riley  Tay- 
lor, Barney  Taylor  &  Co.,  Thomas  Curtis,  Less  Fuson, 
and  John  F.  Turner.  Other  early  merchants  were 
Charles  Pullen,  Thomas  Bright,  Pat  Geraty,  and 
Robert  F.  Jones. 

There  are  now  six  stores  in  the  village,  the  present 
merchants  being  John  F.  Turner,  N,  R.  Robinson,  W. 
T.  Robinson,  A.  R.  Meares  &  Son,  G.  S.  and  W.  T. 
Blackburn,  and  Less  Bass. 

In  1866  Col.  J.  H.  Blackburn  began  the  erection  of 
a  flour  mill,  which  was  finished  in  1872  by  Lieut.  Win- 
gate  T.  Robinson.  The  Big  Spring  northwest  of  town 
furnishes  the  power. 

143 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

In  1866  Allan  Wright  (born  in  Baltimore  County, 
Md.,  in  1 831)  came  to  DeKalb  County  and  erected  the 
first  flour  mill  in  Liberty  after  the  War  between  the 
States  on  tlie  site  of  that  burned  by  Gen.  John  T. 
Wilder  during  the  war.  In  1868  he  erected  and  has 
since  controlled  the  Dowelltown  Woolen  Factory. 

As  to  physicians  of  the  town,  Dr.  C.  C.  Robinson 
was  the  first  to  locate,  remaining  in  the  village  until 
his  death.  Previous  to  this  time  Dr.  John  A.  Fuson, 
of  Dry  Creek,  did  the  practice.  Dr.  W.  F.  Fuson  came 
next,  then  Dr.  S.  C.  Robinson,  a  son  of  C.  C.  and  now 
of  Temperance  Hall.  Dr.  C.  B.  White  resides  there 
at  present.  Dr.  Howard  Curtis,  son  of  Rev.  Mack- 
Curtis,  was  graduated  at  Chattanooga  University, 
but  located  at  Allgood  and  is  a  leading  physician  of 
Putnam  County.  Dr.  W.  T.  Robinson,  a  son  of  B. 
W.  Robinson,  was  graduated  at  Vanderbilt  and  is 
meeting  with  success  at  Shelbyville. 

The  local  dentist  is  Dr.  J.  T.  Duggan.  Dr.  Hoyt 
Robinson,  son  of  B.  W.  Robinson  and  graduated  in 
dentistry  at  Vanderbilt  University,  located  in  Union 
City. 

W.  B.  Corley  and  Hon.  N.  R.  Robinson  are  resident 
attorneys. 

Edward  Gothard  was  probably  the  earliest  black- 
smith, then  came  Gothard  &  Self,  then  Self  &  Grand- 
staff.     Isaac  Burkett  had  a  shop  just  north. 

One  of  the  early  teachers  of  the  neighborhood  was 
Alex  Robinson,  a  capable  man.  Other  teachers:  R.  B. 
Harris,  J.  B.  Green,  T.  A.  Kilman,  R.  A.  Underwood, 
Mr.  Sykes,  Mr.  Myatt,  O.  B.  Close,  Rev.  W.  P.  Banks, 

144 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

N.  R.  Robinson,  J.  F.  Caplinger,  O.  B.  Starnes,  and 
M.  Malone. 

The  postmasters  have  been  WilHam  Wall,  Robert 
Yeargin,  Alf  Standford,  R.  F.  Jones,  M.  A.  Stark, 
Lucian  Avant,  B.  W.  Robinson,  N.  R.  Robinson,  and 
Fannie  M.  Robinson. 

In  1885  an  elegant  school  building  was  erected  and 
for  some  years  was  properly  appreciated.  As  in  most 
villages,  the  public's  appreciation  of  educational  ad- 
vantages is  spasmodic,  and  in  saying  that  there  have 
been  good  schools  here,  followed  by  intervals  of  lan- 
guor, we  but  repeat  the  history  of  most  communities. 
Old  Asbury  Church  was  frequently  used  for  schools 
before  it  was  burned.  Preceding  it  was  a  smaller 
structure  erected  by  the  pioneers  for  religious  and 
educational  purposes. 

The  village  is  surrounded  by  a  fine  agricultural 
region,  and  its  population  is  prosperous  and  law-abid- 
ing. A  considerable  number  of  Federal  pensioners  live 
there  and  adjacent  (though  they  are  rapidly  passing 
away),  and  their  pensions  have  greatly  added  to  the 
volume  of  business. 

The  Big  Spring  northwest  is  a  notable  feature  of 
the  community  and  was  such  before  the  village  came 
into  existence.  It  is  deep,  cold,  and  about  forty  feet 
in  diameter.  Formerly  it  was  a  great  fishing  place — 
for  "gigging"  by  torchlight,  angling,  and  lassoing 
with  copper  wire. 

Near  the  Dry  Creek  bridge  were  the  muster  grounds, 
which  in  ante-bellum  times  provided  a  great  gathering 
place.     Near  by  was  Gum  Springs  in  a  cavelike  de- 
10  145 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

pression  at  the  edge  of  the  turnpike.  "The  water," 
Mrs.  Pet  White  explained  once  to  the  writer,  "was  al- 
most as  cold  as  ice,  dropping  from  the  overhead  rocks 
and  falling  into  the  tub  made  from  the  cut  of  a  hollow 
tree.  The  young  women  and  young  men  of  the  neigh- 
borhood congregated  here  on  muster  days  and  Sunday 
afternoons,  so  that  you  would  be  led  to  believe  it  some 
famous  summer  resort." 

In  the  center  of  Dowelltown  and  on  Mrs.  White's 
land  is  the  old  Gray  cemetery,  a  popular  burying  place 
a  half  century  ago.  Several  members  of  the  Gray 
pioneers  sleep  there,  among  the  rest,  Isaac  C.  Gray, 
born  in  1807,  died  1850;  Leven  Gray,  born  in  1812;  C. 
E.  Gray,  died  in  1852,  in  the  sixty-fifth  year  of  his 
age.  Others  interred  there  are:  Rev.  James  Stanford, 
Matthew  Williams,  William  Craven  (Union  soldier), 
James  White,  Isaiah  White  (born  in  1806),  and 
Charlie  Blades.  Time  and  the  weather  will  crumble 
or  hide  these  simple  memorials  before  many  years, 
then  the  humble  sleepers  will  be  as  entirely  forgotten 
as  if  they  had  never  lived. 

For  them  no  more  the  blazing  hearth  shall  burn, 
Or  busy  housewife  ply  her  evening  care ; 

No  children  rush  to  lisp  their  sire's  return, 
Or  climb  his  knees  the  envied  kiss  to  share. 

Laurel  Hill,  a  pleasant  village  in  the  northern  part 
of  the  county,  was  for  a  long  while  better  known  as 
Smutville,  owing  to  the  irreverence  of  the  wag  who 
does  not  let  home  pride  interfere  with  his  attempts  at 
wit.  The  country  adjacent  is  hilly  but  fertile  and 
needs  only  good   roads  to  make  it  an  ideal   section. 

146 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

The  citizens  are  mainly  of  North  Carohna  and  Vir- 
ginia ancestry — industrious,  lovers  of  music  and  the 
chase,  and  of  strong  religious  and  political  convic- 
tions. 

Among  the  early  settlers  were :  Coleman  Helm,  Riley 
League,  P.  W.  Presley,  James  Isbell,  William  Garner. 
Isaac  Burton,  Riley  Coggin,  Jeremiah  Hale,  Willis 
Coggin,  Peter  Exum,  Elisha  Conger,  Hezekiah  Love, 
Andrew  Carr  (living  in  1914  at  the  age  of  ninety- 
four),  John  Clemens,  Mat  Lee,  David  Lee,  T.  J.  Lee, 
Ephraim  Foster,  Nelson  New,  J.  H.  Kerr,  Jesse  Hag- 
gard (yet  living,  aged  eighty-four),  Jesse  Hale,  Clai- 
borne Vaughan,  S.  H.  Smith,  John  McGuffey,  Joseph 
Mitchell,  Robert  Maxwell,  John  Merritt,  and  the  John- 
sons. These  were  of  the  pioneer  type  of  Americans — 
sturdy,  conscientious,  and  level-headed.  In  politics 
they  were,  both  Democrats  and  Whigs,  of  strong  con- 
victions. A  majority  of  the  old-timers  were  anti- 
slavery  in  sentiment.  The  village  furnished  several 
men  to  the  Federal  and  Confederate  armies,  the  larger 
number  siding  with  the  North.  In  1914  only  two  vet- 
erans of  the  great  war  were  surviving — J.  S.  MaxwelK 
Union  veteran,  and  W.  A.  Moss,  Confederate.  Dur- 
ing the  war  there  was  no  local  engagement  between 
the  belligerents,  though  not  infrequently  detachments 
and  even  regiments  of  troops  passed  through  the  com- 
munity. It  may  be  added  that  there  was  naturally 
considerable  bitterness  among  neighbors  of  opposing 
political  views,  though  this  is  now  a  thing  of  the  past. 

The  Laurel  Hill  people  are  either  Baptists  or  Meth- 
odists in  religious  faith,  and  both  sects  have  comforta- 

147 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ble  churches.  In  1876  and  1880  the  old  log  structures 
were  displaced  by  modern  frame  buildings  creditable 
to  any  rural  locality.  Among  the  early  ministers  were 
Thomas  Dodson,  Alex  Byers,  David  Lee,  M.  P. 
Gentry,  D.  P.  Searcy,  and  Milton  Pressley.  Later 
ministers  have  been :  J.  M.  Carter,  Francis  Deal,  J.  M. 
McNeil,  J.  B.  Kitchens,  Van  N.  Smith,  and  J.  H. 
Keathly.  Near  Laurel  Hill  is  Wolf  Creek  Baptist 
Church. 

Among  the  old  field  teachers  of  the  neighborhood 
were  William  Whitefield,  S.  H.  Smith,  Walker  Brown, 
William  Garner,  William  Isbell,  and  Jesse  McDowell. 
These  men  were  of  rugged  individualities.  We  are 
told  that  in  the  old  days  here  the  pupils  sat  in  the 
schoolroom  with  hats  on,  studied  aloud,  and  sang 
geography.  They  were  followed  by  Napoleon  Smith, 
J.  E.  Conger,  Van  N.  Smith,  and  Misses  Sallie  and 
Emma  McDonald.  There  are  two  schoolhouses  on 
Wolf  Creek  and  one  north  at  the  river,  and  school  is 
still  kept  at  these  places. 

The  physicians  have  been :  William  Farmer,  Gideon 
Smith,  W.  E.  Sypert.  W,  E.  Sypert,  Jr.,  J.  C.  Fisher, 
and  T.  J.  Smith. 

Early  business  men :  J.  H.  Kerr,  Nelson  New,  S. 
H.  Smith,  and  Joseph  Mitchell.  Later:  T.  J.  Fisher. 
J.  T.  Exum,  Smith  Bros.,  D.  G.  Eaton,  Bose  Tyree. 
and  J.  E.  Conger.  Present:  Noah  Duke,  Z.  O.  Med- 
ley, Allie  Pressley,  and  Henry  Sadler.  Millers :  K.  D. 
Exum,  Pinkney  Coggin,  J.  S.  Maxwell,  and  L.  S. 
Exum.  Blacksmiths:  Coleman  Helm,  W.  G.  Stephens. 
John  Alcorn,  Pleas  Randolph,  and  John  New. 

14S 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

About  1906  the  post  office  was  abolished  and  rural 
route  service  established.  Former  postmasters  were: 
J.  H.  Kerr,  S.  H.  Smith,  W.  E.  Bartlett,  Van  N.  Smith, 
T.  J.  Fisher,  and  Henry  Sadler. 

In  every  community  there  has  been  some  citizen 
whose  bizarre  qualities  have  attracted  to  himself  un- 
usual and  pleasing  attention  above  his  local  contem- 
poraries. That  of  Laurel  Hill  is  no  exception  to  the 
rule.  To  illustrate,  "Uncle  Pink"  Coggin,  miller,  will 
long  be  recalled  with  pleasure  and  amusement,  and 
many  anecdotes  are  told  at  his  expense.  Had  Rev. 
Milton  Pressley,  another  old-timer,  been  properly  edu- 
cated, it  is  probable  that  he  would  have  been  a  leading 
minister  of  his  day.  "Chill  penury"  often  indeed  re- 
presses a  noble  rage.  To  this  inland  preacher  one 
who  knew  him  pays  this  tribute:  "He  could  not  read, 
but  knew  the  Bible  almost  by  heart.  He  also  knew 
a  few  of  the  early  day  hymns.  I  have  heard  preach- 
ers of  every  type,  but  no  scholar  or  theologian  have  I 
heard  who  had  the  power  Uncle  Milt  wielded  over  an 
audience.  He  once  preached  before  Methodist  bishops 
and  startled  his  cultivated  audience  with  his  untutored 
power.    Sacred  be  his  dust!" 


There  are  a  number  of  burgs  throughout  the  county 
which  sprang  up  after  post  offices  were  secured,  but 
the  rural  route  service  has  left  them  without  official 
names.  Perhaps  the  largest  was  Forks-of-the-Pike. 
The  adjacent  territory  is  very  fertile,  and  the  farmers 
are  progressive.  Among  the  older  farmers  were  James 
Roy,  John,  Moses,  and  Henry  Fite,  Thomas  West, 

149 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Eli  Vick,  Thomas  Fite,  Thomas  and  John  Groom,  and 
the  Truits  and  Hayses.  They  were  succeeded  by  Sam- 
son Sellars,  Mrs.  Ford,  Grant  Roy,  F.  H.  Hayes,  Tom 
Ford,  John  Bell  Hays,  William  Hays,  Robert  Vannata, 
Sam  Vannata,  Henry  Givan,  P.  T.  Bragg,  W.  D. 
Evans,  Sam  Flippin,  Jake  Young,  Joseph  Clarke,  and 
others.  William  Fite  erected  a  storehouse  just  after 
the  war,  merchandising  for  several  years.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Jacob  Young,  and  Young  by  P.  T.  Bragg 
in  1880.  The  last  merchant  and  postmaster  was  R.  B. 
Vannata.  Postmasters  have  been :  P,  T.  Bragg, 
James  J.  Evans,  and  R.  B.  Vannata. 

Four  Corners,  the  village  schoolhouse,  has  had  many 
competent  tutors,  among  them  the  following:  Rev. 
and  Mrs.  P.  A.  Pearson,  John  W.  Overall,  Mr.  Pendle- 
ton, the  Preston  brothers,  Mr.  Hood,  E.  W.  Brown, 
Mr.  Jones,  Robert  Hayes,  Mr.  Whitlock,  Wheeler  & 
Holmes,  Matt  Bratten,  Lee  West,  Mr.  Ford,  Thomas 
Bryant,  Prudie  Sellars,  Miss  MuUins,  Willie  Bell,  and 
Maggie  Robinson.  The  Misses  Bell  were  teachers  in 
1914. 

Keltonsburg,  a  few  miles  from  Smithville,  was 
named  for  James  Kelton,  who  built  the  mill  there. 
This  mill,  it  may  be  stated  here,  was  transferred  to 
Paris  &  Boles  in  later  years,  who  sold  it  to  Mr.  Thomp- 
son. It  is  at  present  possessed  by  Mr.  Mullikins.  The 
village  has  two  stores  and  a  blacksmith  shop,  and  the 
Methodists  and  Disciples  have  congregations  there. 
The  first  store  was  under  the  control  of  B.  M,  Magness 
for  many  years.  Keltonsburg  is  surrounded  by  a 
worthy  class  of  citizens. 

150 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

I 

In  the  Early  Wars. 

The  county  was  not  in  existence  as  such  until  about 
ten  years  prior  to  the  war  with  Mexico,  but  many  of 
those  who  made  up  its  settlers  had  seen  service  in  the 
Revolution  and  in  the  War  of  1812.  A  large  section, 
including  Alexandria  and  Liberty,  was  in  Smith 
County  until  1835,  when  they  were  taken  into  the  new 
county  of  Cannon.  In  1837  the  two  first-named  towns 
were  included  in  the  new  county  of  DeKalb,  Some 
years  later  the  Temperance  Hall  section  and  John  F. 
Goodner's  land,  near  Alexandria,  were  taken  from 
Smith  and  added  to  it. 

The  pioneer  cemeteries  and  family  graveyards — 
the  latter  are  found  on  nearly  all  the  large  farms — 
have  been  long  neglected.  Such  graves  as  had  markers 
have  in  many  cases  crumbled  or  had  the  inscriptions 
effaced  by  the  elements.  No  doubt  a  number  of  the 
followers  of  General  Washington  sleep  in  graves  that 
were  never  marked.  But  from  the  wreckage  of  time 
the  following  names  of  Revolutionary  veterans  have 
been  preserved :  Adam  Dale,  builder  of  the  earliest  mill 
in  the  county  (about  1800),  but  buried  in  Maury 
County;  Thomas  Dale,  who  owned  several  640-acre 
tracts  around  Liberty  (he  having  purchased  the  claims 
of  old  soldiers),  buried  south  of  that  village,  on  the 
Thomas  Givan  farm ;  Philip  Palmer,  buried  near  Alex- 
andria ;  John  Fisher,  buried  in  the  eastern  portion  of 
the  county.  Also  the  names  of  the  following  who  were 

151 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

living  and  drawing  pensions  in  1840:  Rev.  John  Fite, 
aged  eighty-one,  residing  then  with  his  son,  Henry; 
Leonard  Fite,  aged  eighty-one  (father  of  the  late 
Thomas  D.  Fite  and  grandfather  of  Len  F.  Davis,  of 
Nashville)  ;  Col.  James  Saunders,  aged  seventy-one, 
living  with  Joseph  Saunders;  Elijah  Duncan,  aged 
ninety ;  Joseph  Rankhorn,  aged  eighty-one ;  John 
Puckett,  aged  seventy-six;  John  Bevert,  aged  eighty- 
six;  and  Elijah  Hooten,  aged  ninety-three.  The  last- 
named,  says  John  K.  Bain,  an  old-timer,  who  was 
register  of  the  county  before  the  great  war,  lived  to 
be  one  hundred  and  eleven  years  of  age,  and  at  one 
hundred  and  eight  rode  horseback  to  the  Bain  home, 
south  of  Smithville.  James  H.  Burton  writes:  "Jo^" 
Smithson,  who  lived  on  Short  Mountain,  either  in 
UeKalb  or  near  the  line,  was  a  Revolutionary  soldier. 
He  was  buried  with  the  honors  of  war." 

As  Col.  James  Tubb  made  up  a  company  for  the 
War  of  18 12,  no  doubt  a  majority  of  his  men  were 
from  this  county,  but  it  has  been  impossible  to  secure 
the  roster.  These,  however,  are  recalled :  Benjamin 
Garrison,  of  Alexandria ;  Mose  Spencer,  of  Liberty ; 
Benjamin  Prichard,  father  of  the  late  Brown  Prichard, 
near  Liberty;  Jacob  Hearn,  George  Thomason,  Lewis 
Washburn,  and  Silas  Cooper,  the  last  four  going 
from  Alexandria.  Jacob  Hearn  became  a  loved  and 
successful  Methodist  itinerant,  known  in  old  age  as 
"Uncle  Jakey."  James  H.  Burton  writes  that  Joshua 
Bratten,  Reuben  Evans,  and  Archie  Mclntire,  of 
Liberty,  were  veterans  of  the  War  of  181 2,  and  that 
Mclntire  was  possibly  in  the  Black  Hawk  War.    Were 

152 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

they  members  of  Tubb's  company?  It  is  suggested 
that  Benjamin  Hale,  the  writer's  paternal  grandfather, 
was  under  Tubb,  but  that  must  be  an  error ;  for  he  is 
found  to  have  been  at  the  battle  on  Villere's  planta- 
tion, near  New  Orleans,  December  23,  1814,  probably 
a  member  of  Col.  John  Coffee's  riflemen.  A  youth 
when  he  joined  a  company  of  Maryland  revolutionists, 
Adam  Dale  made  up  a  company  in  Smith  (DeKalb) 
County  and  fought  under  Jackson  in  the  War  of  1812. 
(See  the  sketch  of  Liberty,  Chapter  III.,  as  to  his 
record.) 

Colonel  Tubb,  grandfather  of  the  popular  Alexan- 
dria merchant,  Livingston  Tubb,  was  one  of  the  best- 
known  men  of  his  county.  Born  March  18,  1788,  he 
lived  on  Smith's  Fork  Creek,  east  of  Alexandria  and 
north  of  Liberty,  and  died  July  18,  1867.  He  was 
possessed  of  hundreds  of  acres  of  fine  land ;  and  as 
he  would  not  separate  the  families  of  his  slaves,  when 
emancipated  they  numbered  nearly  one  hundred.  He 
figured  prominently  in  the  musters  which  furnished  so 
much  interest  to  our  grandfathers.  From  records  in 
the  State  archives  the  following  facts  are  gleaned :  As 
captain  of  the  Second  Regiment  of  Militia  his  com- 
mission bears  date  of  June  3,  181 1,  signed  at  Knox- 
ville  by  Gov.  Willie  Blount,  R.  Houston,  Secretary 
of  State;  as  first  major  of  the  Forty-First  Regiment 
it  was  signed  at  Nashville  December  13,  181 5,  by  Gov. 
Joseph  McMinn,  William  Alexander,  Secretary  of 
State ;  and  as  colonel  of  the  last-named  regiment  it 
is  dated  at  Nashville  February  10,  1829,  bearing  the 

153 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

signature  of  Gov.  Sam  Houston,  Daniel  Graham,  Sec- 
retary of  State. 

He  was  captain  in  the  Second  Tennessee  Regiment 
from  September  20,  1814,  to  April  10,  1815,  and  was 
at  Pensacola  or  Mobile  when  the  battle  of  New  Or- 
leans was  fought.  On  account  of  inadequate  trans- 
portation facilities  he  had  to  pay  his  own  expenses  for 
baggage  and  transportation.  Shortly  after  his  return 
he  filed  a  claim  against  the  government  (July  14, 
1816).  It  was  made  out  before  W.  Tannehill,  J.  P., 
being  for  four  hundred  pounds  of  baggage  from  Fay- 
etteville,  Tenn.,  where  the  volunteers  rendezvoused,  to 
Fort  Montgomery,  thence  to  Pensacola  and  back  to 
Fort  Montgomery,  thence  to  Fayetteville  from  Mo- 
bile— six  hundred  and  thirteen  miles  at  eight  cent 
per  mile. 

Colonel  Tubb  and  his  company,  like  other  Tennes- 
seeans,  probably  took  up  their  march  toward  Mobile 
and  Pensacola  in  response  to  the  call  of  the  Secretar)^ 
of  War  in  July,  1814,  for  2,500  Tennessee  militia, 
fixing  September  15  for  their  assembling. 

Was  there  another  company  from  the  county?  Sev- 
eral militia  officers  were  commissioned  from  1812  to 
1815.  It  is  tradition  that  Col.  Abraham  Overall  or- 
ganized a  company  for  the  war.  It  is  seen  from  rec- 
ords in  the  archivist's  office  that  on  May  19,  1814, 
he  was  commissioned  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  Forty- 
First  Militia.  His  grandson,  Hon.  T.  W.  Wood,  of 
Bellbuckle,  writes:  "As  to  the  War  of  1812-15,  I 
have  often  heard  my  mother  speak,  when  I  was  a 
small  boy,  of  our  grandfather's  being  engaged  under 

154 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Jackson  in  several  battles,  and  particularly  that  of 
Horseshoe  Bend,  where  he  had  a  horse  shot  under 
him.  He  was  major  or  acting  lieutenant  colonel.  I 
remember  now  only  the  name  of  one  man  in  the  com- 
pany, young  Cook."  H.  L.  Overall,  a  grandson,  says : 
"I  think  grandfather  was  under  Jackson,  for  I  have 
heard  my  father,  Horace  A.  Overall,  speak  of  the  in- 
timate friendship  existing  between  him  and  Old 
Hickory."  Since  the  fact  is  almost  wholly  forgotten 
(except  by  their  descendants)  that  Tubb  and  Dale  had 
companies  in  the  second  war  with  Great  Britain,  it  is 
possible  that  Colonel  Overall  was  a  veteran,  and,  think- 
ing thus,  it  is  believed  that  this  relative  to  his  ancestry 
would  interest  the  public.  In  his  great  volume  sketch- 
ing the  pioneers  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Va.,  Cart- 
mell  says  the  Overalls  are  in  direct  descent  from 
Bishop  Overall,  of  England,  who  was  the  author  of 
the  Convocation  Book  mentioned  in  Macaulay's  "His- 
tory of  England."  He  adds :  'The  first  settlement  made 
[in  America]  by  this  family  was  in  Stafford  County, 
Va.,  about  1700.  One  member  of  this  branch  came 
to  the  Shenandoah  Valley  as  soon  as  it  was  open  for 
settlement.  This  was  John  Overall,  who  married  Maria 
Christina  Froman  [granddaughter  of  a  German  who 
owned  100,000  acres  in  the  valley],  settled  on  South 
River,  and  reared  seven  children — viz.,  John,  William, 
Nathaniel,  Mary,  Nancy,  Robert,  and  Christina.  John 
married  Elizabeth  Waters  in  1773.  She  was  the 
mother  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob.  Abraham, 
the  oldest  son,  married  Hannah  Leath  in  Virginia  and 
then  moved  to  Tennessee  in   1805.     .     .     .     Jacob, 

15s 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

third  son  of  John,  married  Nancy  Lawrence  and 
moved  to  Tennessee  in  1805."  Abraham  located  in 
what  became  DeKalb  County  and  died  in  1844.  His 
wife  died  in  1837.  Jacob  settled  in  Smith  County,  but 
his  grandsons,  James  H.,  J.  W.,  and  D.  D.  Overall, 
became  citizens  of  DeKalb  County. 

DeKalb  was  represented  in  the  Black  Hawk  and 
Seminole    Wars.      Levi    Foutch,    of    the    Alexandria 
neighborhood,    was    a    soldier    in    the    former,   while 
Paschal  M.  Brien  was  sergeant  in  William  B.  Camp- 
bell's cavalry  company  in  the  campaign  against  the 
Seminoles.     A  few  names  of  the  troops  are  copied 
from  Sergeant  Brien's  mess  and  guard  book,  still  in 
existence.    From  the  mess  list  of  July  11,  1836:  John 
Leach,  G.  W.  Gray,  W.  G.  Tucker,  William  Allison, 
Levi  Pendleton,  Hugh  Reed,  J.  G.  Shy,  J.  J.  Reason- 
over,  Peter  Webster,  John  Coe,  S.  A.  Farmer,  Joseph 
Allison,  James  G.   Ford,   William   G.   Ford,   Charles 
Wade,  John   Warren,  James  Owens,   H.   G.   Owens, 
Francis  Pugh,  William  Taylor,  H.  J.  Cochran,  William 
Baker,    James    Barrett,    Alfred    Womack,    William 
Penile,  William  Wilson,  Richard  and  James   Booze, 
David    Phillips,    George    Carmax,    James    Spradley, 
Isaac  Snow,  Hardy  Calhoun,  Richard  Jones,  Rufus 
Haynes,  H.  G.  Maney,  S.  C.  Beasley,  Thomas  Dale, 
T.  G.  Harrel,  J.  J.  Coleman,  and  J.  G.  Debrunt.    From 
the  guard  list,  beginning  July  11  and  ending  July  19: 
J.  H.  Alexander,  G.  G.  Gray,  Cyrus  Hazard,  Seaborn 
Harts,    W.    B.    Taylor,    Nathaniel    Parrot,    Sterling 
Ward,  Jonah  Hallum,  E.  W.  Davis,  William  Hallum, 
Daniel  Coggin,  William  McClanahan,  William  Fores- 

156 


JOHN   F.  GOODNER 

CAPTAIN     IN    THE    WAR    WITH     MEXICO    AND     COLONEL    OF    THE 
SEVENTH    TENNESSEE   CONFEDERATE   REGIMENT 

FROM  A  PHOTOGRAPH   LOANED  BY  MR?.  LIZZIE  HALE,  LIBERTY 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ter,  William  Baker,  H.  B.  Haney,  John  McFarland, 
John  B.  Claiborne,  David  Phillips,  William  Dougherty, 
Thomas  Brooks,  Elijah  Hollis,  Robert  Hayne,  Samuel 
Allison,  Peter  Webster,  H.  Heflin,  J.  G.  Davenport, 
H,  J.  Warren,  James  Davis,  James  Cheek,  P.  Snow, 
William  Lancaster,  William  Wilson,  and  Hugh  Reed. 

A  number  of  these  men  were  from  the  territory  that 
became  DeKalb.  Daniel  Coggin  was  the  county's  first 
register  and  first  representative  in  the  General  As- 
cembly.  Captain  Campbell  then  lived  in  Smith 
County,  removing  to  Lebanon  later. 

The  first  war  to  occur  after  the  county  came  into 
existence  was  that  with  Mexico.  Two  companies 
were  raised  in  DeKalb  County.  But  few  are  surviving 
in  1914 — Isaac  Cooper,  Alexandria;  William  (Cal.) 
Smithson,  Gassaway ;  J.  T.  Finley,  Celina,  Tex. ;  House 
Akin,  Missouri ;  and  Wilson  Bennett,  Kentucky. 

Capt.  John  F.  Goodner's  company,  I,  was  made  up 
at  Alexandria.  Thomas  J.  Finley,  aged  ninety-one,  of 
Celina,  Tex.,  has  kindly  sent  the  muster  roll  of  these 
volunteers : 

Officers :  John  F.  Goodner,  captain ;  John  S.  Reece, 
first  lieutenant;  W.  J.  Johnson,  second  lieutenant;  W. 
J.  Wright,  third  lieutenant;  Thomas  B.  Askew,  first 
sergeant;  Isaac  Belcher,  second  sergeant;  A.  N.  Davis, 
third  sergeant;  William  McClellan,  fourth  sergeant; 
J.  W.  Johnson,  first  corporal ;  Wilson  Jackson,  second 
corporal ;  Harrison  Bennett,  third  corporal ;  John  S. 
Gill,  fourth  corporal ;  William  D.  Parkerson,  first 
bugler;  William  Riddle,  second  bugler;  A.  T.  Jackson, 
forager. 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Privates:  J.  T.  Allison,  W.  C.  Bennett,  Frank  Bal- 
lenger,  A.  J.  Baker,  Addison  Batts,  H.  L.  Bradley,  F. 
L.  Boyd,  John  Bostic,  W.  H.  Cheek,  W.  R.  Caskey,  J. 
R.  Cheek,  Calvin  Clark,  J.  S.  Davis,  J.  W.  Dougherty, 
J.  H.  Davis,  G.  W.  Eastes,  Amos  Foutch,  T.  J.  Fin- 
ley,  W.  E.  Foutch,  Thomas  Gwaltney,  William  Gates, 
Franklin  Sky,  R  B.  Kyle,  T.  O.  Kinney,  J.  L.  Mc- 
Gann,  W.  C.  Malone,  J.  C.  Neely,  James  Oakley,  L. 
O.  Patey,  Moses  Preston,  John  Patton,  James  W. 
Parker,  Calvin  W.  Hill,  B.  H.  Akin,  Isaac  Cooper. 

In  an  interview  Isaac  Cooper,  who  is  one  of  the  sur- 
vivors of  Captain  Goodner's  company,  said:  "I  joined 
Company  I,  First  Tennessee  Regiment  of  Mounted 
Infantry,  for  service  in  the  Mexican  War  about  the 
time  I  reached  my  majority.  Our  colonel  was  Jonas 
E.  Thomas,  while  our  company  was  organized  at 
Alexandria  and  sworn  in  at  Nashville.  Our  uniform 
was  gray  and  was  made  at  home.  We  went  to  Tampico 
and  crossed  the  Gulf  to  Vera  Cruz.  A  fourteen  days' 
storm  overtook  us,  and  we  had  to  throw  overboard  the 
horses  of  Colonel  Thomas  and  Major  Waterhouse. 
The  other  horses  followed  on  transports.  After  the 
battle  of  Vera  Cruz  we  fought  at  Cerro  Gordo,  then 
marched  to  Jalapa  across  the  mountains,  I  being  one 
of  the  guards  of  four  wagonloads  of  gold  and  silver 
from  Vera  Cruz  to  Jalapa.  On  our  return  home  we 
took  ship  at  Vera  Cruz  for  New  Orleans,  thence  by 
boat  to  Nashville.  The  government  bought  our  horses 
at  Vera  Cruz,  and  I  received  about  $700  for  my  ab- 
sence of  twelve  months  and  eight  days  from  home." 

Abram    M.    Savage   made   up   Companv   F,   Third 

158 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


Regiment  Tennessee  Volunteer  Infantry,  Col.  B.  F. 
Cheatham. 

Officers:  A.  M.  Savage,  captain;  Reuben  Simpson, 
first  lieutenant;  W.  M.  Bailey,  second  lieutenant;  John 
W.  Kennedy,  third  lieutenant;  John  England,  first 
sergeant  (appointed  February  4,  1848)  ;  Benjamin 
Adcock,  second  sergeant  (in  hospital  at  Jalapa  April 
13,  1848);  Elijah  B.  Hudson,  third  sergeant;  James 
H.  Wood,  fourth  sergeant;  Chester  F.  Bethel,  first 
corporal ;  Joseph  Coger,  second  corporal ;  Anthony 
P.  Adcock,  third  corporal;  Thomas  F.  Kennedy, 
fourth  corporal ;  Tillman  Cantrell,  musician ;  Alex 
Ferguson,  musician. 

Privates :  W.  D.  Allen,  J.  W.  Allen,  David  Adcock, 
William  Adcock,  McDonald  Adcock,  Perry  Adcock, 
James  Adcock,  Henry  Adkins,  Martin  Brown,  James 
L.  Blunt  (died  at  Molino  del  Rey  March  8,  1848), 
David  Barrett,  Eli  Barrett,  J.  W.  Barrett,  Anderson 
Burnet  (died  at  Rio  T—  June  4,  1848),  Martin  S. 
Bonham,  William  Ballard,  Congelius  Burrip,  Hiram 
Bethel,  Jim  Cantrell,  Ben  Cantrell,  Elisha  and  Elijah 
Chambers  (twins),  B.  F.  Cummings,  Moses  H.  Cum- 
mings,  Moses  C  Cummings  (died  in  Mexico  City 
June  30,  1848),  Carrol  Caskey,  John  H.  Dosier,  John 
Atnip,  Edmundson  Elkins  (died  at  Molino  del  Rey 
April  18,  1848),  John  A.  Edwards,  J.  E.  Edwards, 
Henry  Edwards  (died  at  Molino  del  Rey  March  5, 
1848),  J.  S.  Ellige,  Thomas  Fisher,  Thomas  Fowler. 
Thomas  Giles,  James  Gibson,  Dillard  Gannon,  James 
R.  Gapway,  Moses  Hutchins,  William  Hendrixon, 
William  W.   Harris,   Hardy  Johnson,   Robert  Jones, 

159 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Ed  Jones,  William  Koger  (died  at  Molino  del  Rey 
April  15,  1848),  J.  W.  Lance,  J.  R.  Looney  (died  at 
Molino  del  Rey  July  12,  1848),  James  Mannon  (died 
at  Molino  del  Rey  February  24,  1848),  J.  B.  MuUins 
(died  at  Molino  del  Rey  May  11,  1848),  Green  Mel- 
ton, John  Melton,  Peter  Maxey,  Iradel  March,  Wil- 
liam Markham,  Ebenezer  Moss,  Alex  Neal,  W.  H. 
Neeley,  Joshua  R.  Neely  (died  at  Molino  del  Rey 
April  28,  1848),  Joseph  Pack,  Thomas  Pack,  James 
Pitman,  John  Barton,  Abe  Parton,  James  Pistole,  W. 
M.  Pettit  (died  at  St.  Augustine  May  19,  1848),  Wil- 
liam C.  Smithson,  David  Smithson,  J.  H.  Sullins  (died 
in  Mexico  City  March  7,  1848),  Joshua  Simpson, 
Jacob  Taylor,  W.  H.  Tate  (died  at  Molino  del  Rey 
May  5,  1848),  J.  A.  Tate,  J.  B.  Tate,  T.  G.  Vance,  S. 
Brown  Whaley,  William  Wommack,  John  K.  Bain 
(discharged  at  Molino  del  Rey  February  2,  1848), 
E.  E.  Phillips  and  William  Richard  (discharged  there 
February  2,  1848),  William  G.  Givan  (died  in  Mexico 
City  February  15,  1848),  John  T.  Hudson  (died  in 
the  same  city  January  16,  1848),  Richard  Taylor 
(died  there  also  January  14,  1848),  Jesse  W.  Taylor 
(died  there  January  24,  1848),  John  C.  Sullins  (died 
at  Molino  del  Rey  February  7,  1848),  James  Young 
(died  in  Mexico  City  January  20,  1848.) 

This  company  was  mustered  into  service  October 
8,  1847,  rendezvousing  on  the  Nolensville  Pike  two 
and  a  half  miles  from  Nashville.  Taken  to  New  Or- 
leans by  boat,  it  proceeded  to  Vera  Cruz.  Here  a  bri- 
gade was  formed,  but  it  did  not  reach  the  City  of 
Mexico  until  that  place  was  captured. 

160 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

A  barbecue  was  given  the  Mexican  volunteers  at 
Liberty  in  1847,  ^  heavy  downpour  spoiling  the  occa- 
sion, and  a  number  of  town  cows  were  foundered  on 
the  damaged  food.  Dr.  Foster  writes  that  on  this  oc- 
casion "Henry  Bratten,  son  of  Isaac  Bratten,  was  the 
color  bearer  and  rode  a  small,  prancing  claybank.  The 
cavalry  presented  an  imposing  appearance — before  the 
ram. 

Seven  Adcocks  from  about  Smithville  are  listed,  it 
will  be  noticed.  Perry  Adcock,  father  of  Hon.  B.  G. 
Adcock,  a  prominent  lawyer  of  Cookeville,  later  raised 
a  company  of  Confederates  at  Smithville,  becoming 
captain. 

It  has  been  asserted  that  in  the  war  with  Mexico 
nine  Americans  died  where  one  was  killed.  The  above 
record  is  indicative.  In  memory  of  William  G.  Givan, 
who  died  in  the  City  of  Mexico,  as  seen,  an  empty 
coffin  was  buried  in  Salem  Cemetery,  at  Liberty. 
II  161 


CHAPTER  XV. 
Secession — DeKalb  Confederates. 

Undoubtedly  the  stormiest  period  of  DeKalb 
County's  existence  was  the  first  part  of  the  year  1861, 
the  question  before  the  people  being  separation  from 
the  Union  or  remaining  in  it.  When  the  question  was 
first  agitated,  a  majority  of  Tennesseeans  were  opposed 
to  secession.  The  legislature  ordered  an  election  at 
which  the  people  should  vote  at  the  same  time  upon  the 
subject  of  holding  a  convention  and  electing  delegates 
to  serve  in  case  a  convention  should  be  held.  The 
election  came  ofT  February  9,  1861,  and  resulted  in 
a  vote  of  57,798  for  the  convention  and  69,675  against 
it;  for  delegates  who  favored  secession,  24,749,  and 
88,803  against  it.  This  was  throughout  the  State.  In 
the  election  DeKalb  County's  vote  was  833  for  seces- 
sion and  642  against  it.  Thus  we  see  the  voters  of 
the  county  were  by  a  small  majority  (191)  for  with- 
drawing from  the  Union.  At  that  time  the  population 
of  the  county  was  only  10,573. 

Meantime  some  of  the  Southern  States  had  with- 
drawn from  the  Union.  On  April  12,  1861,  the  Con- 
federates at  Charleston,  S.  C,  fired  on  Fort  Sumter, 
where  a  United  States  garrison  remained,  although 
South  Carolina  had  voted  to  secede.  When  the  news 
of  the  bombardment  reached  Washington,  President 
Lincoln  called  for  75,000  troops  to  put  down  the  "re- 
bellion." He  also  declared  the  ports  of  the  secedeil 
States    (South   Carolina.   Georgia.   Alabama,   Florifla. 

162 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Mississippi,  Louisiana,  and  Texas)  in  a  state  of  block 
ade  and  held  that  all  vessels  acting  under  their  au- 
thority would  be  guilty  of  piracy. 

Again  Tennessee  became  intensely  excited.  It  was 
evident  that  the  President  was  going  to  trj'  to  force  the 
seceding  States  back  into  the  Union.  The  orators  be- 
gan to  harangue  the  people,  and  many  of  the  latter,  not 
indorsing  his  intention  to  make  war  on  the  South, 
changed  their  sentiments  and  clamored  to  withdraw 
from  the  sisterhood  of  States.  A  second  election  was 
held  June  8  to  get  the  sentiment  of  all  Tennesseeans. 
The  vote  stood  104,913  for  secession  and  only  47,238 
against  it.  Isham  G.  Harris  was  at  that  time  Governor 
of  the  State. 

So  Tennessee  joined  the  Southern  Confederacy. 
The  first  call  was  for  55,000  men ;  but  before  the  close 
of  the  war  the  State  furnished  more  than  115,000  Con- 
federates. On  the  Union  side  more  than  31,000  Fed- 
erals were  raised  in  the  State,  while  Tennessee  Fed- 
erals who  joined  Kentucky  organizations  numbered 
more  than  7,000.  The  total  Tennesseeans  in  the  two 
armies  thus  totaled  153,000. 

Though  about  four  years  of  age  at  that  time,  the 
writer  recalls  something  of  the  excitement  which  pre- 
vailed at  Liberty,  and  presumably  the  whole  county 
was  so  affected.  Orators  for  and  against  secession 
spoke  at  different  places  and  made  their  arguments 
before  the  crowds.  Former  Gov.  William  B.  Camp- 
bell, of  Lebanon,  was  one  of  the  speakers  going  over 
the  State  pleading  for  the  Union.  The  cry  of  the 
Unionists  was,  "Hurrah  for  Campbell  and  the  Union !" 

163 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

and  that  of  the  secessionists,  "Hurrah  for  Jefferson 
Davis  and  the  Southern  Confederacy !"  What  took 
place  in  Liberty,  as  stated  before,  was  characteristic  of 
other  portions  of  the  county.  The  Southern  sympa- 
thizers beHeved  they  would  triumph  in  a  few  weeks, 
just  as  the  North  thought  the  war  would  not  last  long. 
To  illustrate,  Frank  Foster,  an  aged  saddler  of  Liberty 
and  an  extremely  small  man,  would  when  in  his  cups 
ride  his  big  horse  up  and  down  Liberty's  one  street 
and  cry,  "As  for  Yankees,  I  can  whip  half  a  dozen 
and  outrun  a  thousand";  while  White  Turney,  then 
reading  law  at  Smithville,  declared  that  within  six 
weeks  he  would  be  eating  Abe  Lincoln's  ears  with  a 
piece  of  hard-tack. 

At  first  blush  it  appeared  that  all  DeKalb  County 
was  for  the  South.  Nevertheless,  there  was  a  strong 
undercurrent  opposed  to  disunion,  and  this  manifested 
itself  after  a  while.  Thus  William  B.  Stokes,  who  had 
been  a  popular  politician,  at  first  sided  with  the  South, 
going  so  far  as  to  urge  the  enlistment  of  Confederate 
troops ;  and  when  he  changed  his  mind  he  found  hun- 
dreds of  men  ready  to  follow  him  on  the  other  side. 
Under  the  excitement  prevailing  it  is  not  a  matter  for 
wonder  that  many  men  found  it  hard  to  come  to  a  de- 
cision. 

Some  of  the  earliest  enlistments  of  DeKalb  County 
Confederates  were  made  in  a  company  raised  at  Au- 
burn, in  Cannon  County;  T.  M.  .A.llison,  captain.  This 
company  was  mustered  into  service  at  Nashville  June 
28,  1861.  There  comes  back  now  the  recollection  of 
its  advent  into  Liberty — musicians  playing  "Drive  That 

164 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Black  Dog  Out  o'  the  Wilderness,"  the  lazy  forenoon 
when,  among  the  yard's  old-fashioned  roses,  the  bees 
droned  slumberously,  and  the  neighbor  boys  watching 
the  troops  pass  in  their  red  hunting  shirts,  keeping  step 
to  fife  and  drum.  Classic  music  may  suit  the  cultured, 
but  you  hear  that  old  tune,  sweet  and  plaintive,  yet 
somehow  moving  and  thrilling  one  impetuously ;  hear 
it  under  such  circumstances,  and  it  will  never  be  for- 
gotten. 

This  company  consisted  of  eighty-two  men,  fully 
half  under  twenty-one  years  of  age.  Names  are  called 
that  were  familiar  in  the  Liberty  community:  Dr.  J. 
S.  Harrison,  H.  L.  W.  (White)  Turney,  Bob  Smith, 
Arch  Marcum,  W.  A.  and  Pressly  Adamson,  Josh 
Jetton,  and  others.  The  company  became  a  part  of  the 
Second  Tennessee  Cavalry.  Bob  Smith,  attacked  with 
measles  at  Jacksboro,  East  Tennessee,  was  discharged 
and  later  joined  the  Federals.  White  Turney  became 
a  lieutenant,  was  wounded  twice,  married  in  West  Ten- 
nessee, practiced  law  in  Dyersburg,  and  died  in  1880. 
Dr.  Harrison  went  through  the  war,  removed  from 
Liberty  to  Smithville,  then  became  a  citizen  of  Mc- 
Minnville,  a  splendid  type  of  the  old-time  Southern 
gentleman.  He  died  in  October,  1914.  Captain  Alli- 
son resigned  and  returned  to  his  home,  near  Auburn, 
and  was  killed  by  Federals  in  his  back  yard  August  2, 
1862. 

Eight  Confederate  companies  were  made  up  in  De- 
Kalb County,  while  about  half  of  Capt.  P.  C.  Shields's 
company  (G)  of  Col.  John  H.  Savage's  regiment  were 
from  the  county.    The  muster  rolls  of  Confederate  sol- 

165 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

diers  are  in  the  archives  at  Washington.  They  are 
old,  mutilated,  and  not  easily  handled.  An  effort  was 
made  to  get  the  names  of  first  enlistments,  but  this 
was  hardly  possible  in  any  case.  Where  names  were 
secured  (photographed)  they  are  often  misspelled,  as 
Louis  for  Lewis,  while  one  name  may  appear  in  one 
place  as  "William"  and  in  another  "W.  J."  This  has 
added  to  the  problem  of  getting  them  correct.  Rut,  in 
spite  of  all,  hundreds  are  correctly  presented  herein. 

Capt.  John  F.  Goodner's  company  was  raised  at 
Alexandria  in  April,  1861,  and  became  Company  A, 
Seventh  Tennessee  Infantry.  When  Col.  Robert  Hat- 
ton  became  brigadier  general,  Goodner  was  elected 
lieutenant  colonel  and  commanded  the  regiment  much 
of  the  time  during  the  remainder  of  the  war.  Colonel 
Goodner,  as  shown  elsewhere,  commanded  a  company 
in  the  Mexican  War.  The  Seventh  saw  much  service — 
was  in  the  Yorktown  campaign,  at  Seven  Pines,  in  the 
Seven  Days'  Battles,  at  Culpeper  Courthouse,  Bull  Run, 
Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Gettys- 
burg, Spottsylvania,  Petersburg,  and  Fort  Archer,  and 
surrendered  at  Appomattox.  Colonel  Goodner  died 
at  Alexandria  some  years  after  the  war.  The  muster 
roll  shows  the  following  names  in  his  company : 

Officers :  Captain,  John  F.  Goodner ;  lieutenant,  R. 
V.  Wright.  After  Goodner  became  lieutenant  colonel. 
R.  V.  Wright  was  elected  captain,  serving  until  Alli- 
son's squadron  of  cavalry  was  organized,  when  he 
was  elected  captain  of  Company  C  of  that  battalion. 
J.  S.  Dowell  became  captain  of  Company  A,  serving 
until  the  close  of  the  war.     First   lieutenant,  J.   S. 

166 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Dowell ;  second,  F.  W.  Hobson ;  third,  Robert  C. 
Bone ;  sergeants,  Wilmoth  Burges,  James  Vannata,  R. 
D.  Floyd,  J.  A.  Donnell,  J.  T.  Barbee ;  corporals,  Dixon 
A.  Foutch,  James  R.  Newsom,  A.  M.  C.  Robinson, 
Bartlett  War  ford. 

Privates:  W.  H.  Atwell,  John  H.  Allison,  Robert 
Allison,  William  Bailiff,  Joab  Bailiff,  William  Bartlett, 
John  Caskey,  John  Cheek,  A.  J.  Cheek,  V.  B.  Coe,  J. 
N.  Compton,  G.  W.  Cowen,  John  L.  Close,  Hi  Curtis, 
Chesley  Chapman,  G.  W.  Driver,  Thomas  Davis,  Al- 
fonse  Emerique,  William  T.  Floyd,  W.  J.  Foster, 
Elijah  A.  Foutch,  F.  L.  Foutch,  R.  D.  Floyd,  Levi 
Foutch,  J.  B,  Garrison,  G.  W.  Gregson,  William  Grif- 
fin, T.  W.  Goodner,  Abe  Hendrixon,  William  Hinesley, 
W.  H.  Hullet,  J.  R.  Harris,  John  Johnson,  L.  C.  Lin- 
coln, John  L.  Luck,  G.  W.  Lamberson,  W.  R.  Lamber- 
son,  J.  J.  Martin,  P.  J.  Mason,  J.  D.  Martin,  G.  W. 
Murry,  Irvin  D.  Murphey,  L.  D.  McGuffey,  R.  Ma- 
lone,  Theo.  Moores,  J.  D.  Nix,  T.  A.  Newley,  R.  H. 
Newsom,  Burr  F.  Paty,  J.  W.  Pendleton,  Lit  R.  Park- 
inson, John  Read,  G.  W,  Reasonover,  Thomas  J. 
Sneed,  C.  P.  Shaver,  Walter  Sullins,  W.  R.  Sims,  D. 
W.  Sewell,  Isaac  Sanlin,  Dan  Snider,  William  Sewell, 
J.  W.  Shanks,  William  Terry,  A.  P.  Tracy,  W.  W. 
Trousdale,  T.  D.  Webb,  John  Williams,  William  Wil- 
loughby,  W.  C.  Yeargin,  O.  J.  Williams,  T.  W.  Year- 
gin,  James  Winfrey,  William  Bartley,  H.  M.  Wilson, 
Ben  Hood,  H.  H.  Hood,  S.  Ashby,  Elijah  Jones,  James 
Risdon,  Andrew  Robinson,  Thomas  Light,  Andrew 
Pratt,  A.  L.  Davis,  Horace  Newsom,  O.  J.  Williams. 

Killed :  G.  W.  Driver,  J.  B.  Garrison,  P.  J.  Mason, 

167 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

James  Vannata,  T.  W.  Sewell,  all  at  Seven  Pines,  May 
31,  1862;  G.  W.  Cowan,  James  Winfrey,  J.  Williams, 
Job  Bailiff,  L.  R.  Parkinson,  Chancellorsville ;  Chap- 
man Chesley,  Mechanicsville.  Died:  J.  Cheek,  No- 
vember 6,  1862;  V.  B.  Coe,  September  25,  1861 ;  J. 
Compton,  September  15,  1861 ;  L.  D.  McGuffey,  No- 
vember 13,  1862;  J.  Pendleton,  December  15,  1861 ; 
W.  R.  Sims,  January  5,  1863;  William  Willoughby, 
December  5,  1863. 


Capt.  R.  D.  Allison's  company  (F),  Twenty-Fourth 
Tennessee  Infantry,  was  raised  at  Alexandria  in  i86t 
and  was  organized  with  the  regiment  mentioned.  He 
was  elected  colonel  and  H.  P.  Dowell  captain.  Alli- 
son resigned  in  1862  and  organized  a  cavalry  bat- 
talion at  Alexandria,  with  J.  S.  Reece,  who  had  been 
discharged  from  the  Twenty-Fourth  because  of  his 
age.    This  battalion  will  receive  further  notice  later  on. 

The  Twenty-Fourth  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Shi- 
loh,  Perryville,  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga,  Mission- 
ary Ridge,  Franklin,  and  Nashville,  surrendering  at 
Greensboro,  N.  C. 

Officers:  Colonel,  R.  D.  Allison;  captain,  H,  P. 
Dowell;  first  lieutenant,  J.  F.  Luckey ;  second,  W.  S. 
Patey;  third,  W.  D.  Fielding;  sergeants,  James  A. 
Barnett,  M.  D.  Braswell,  Lewis  E.  Simpson,  J.  W. 
Jaques ;  corporals,  C.  Scott,  G.  W.  Gordon,  J.  A.  Clark, 
A.  Rollands. 

Privates:  James  Allison,  Robert  Allison,  D.  L.  Allen, 
J.  L.  Askew,  T.  B.  Brown,  E.  A.  Barbee,  S.  Briggs,  A. 
J.   Bradford,  Robert  Barbee,  W.  P.  Bennett,  James 

i68 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Barr,  Tobe  Briggs,  J.  R.  Betty,  T.  F.  Bradley,  Giles 
Bowers,  Sampson  Braswell,  T.  Brown,  L.  B.  Baker,  G. 
W.  Bowers,  Abe  Britton,  Isaac  Cooper,  W.  B.  Carter, 
J.  J.  Cutter,  R.  D.  Coffee,  H.  M.  Coffee,  Nathan  Cor- 
ley,  W.  C.  Curtis,  A.  P.  Crowder,  Thomas  Chandler, 
B.  F.  Cochran,  M.  J.  Covington,  W.  D.  G.  Carnes,  A. 
L.  Cranler,  Josiah  Conger,  N.  L.  Craddock,  J.  C  Crad- 
dock,  Miles  Covington,  R.  J.  Davis,  W.  C.  Davis,  R. 
G.  Davis,  W.  P.  Dennie,  M.  F.  Doss,  J.  D.  Estes,  L. 
H.  Fite,  J.  C.  Foutch,  W.  C  Fielding,  C  Ferrel,  J.  E. 
Gold,  J.  P.  Gold,  J.  F.  Gaultney,  James  S.  Glenn,  John 
A.  Gregory,  G.  W.  Gordon,  D.  D.  Hudson,  Horace 
Hays,  J.  P.  Hale,  John  R.  Hale,  G.  W.  Hale,  W.  H. 
Hays,  J.  W.  Hubbard,  A.  D.  Helmantaller,  J.  Heflin, 
W.  T.  Jones,  T.  L.  Johnson,  J.  M.  King,  S.  J.  King, 
Robert  King,  John  Luckey,  W.  H.  Luckey,  John  Lau- 
rence, W.  H.  Lincoln,  Sam  Luckey,  W.  S.  Lynch, 
Bailey  Marks,  J.  Mooneyham,  William  H.  Mott,  J.  A. 
Mooneyham,  C.  C.  Martin,  James  Nolan,  Jasper 
Owens,  W.  W.  Patterson,  Lewis  Barrett,  W.  C  Pres- 
ton, W.  D.  Prentiss,  J.  H.  Powell,  Amos  Retries,  J.  C. 
Prichard,  S.  A.  Powell,  L.  A.  RoUands,  J.  S.  Reece, 
Ed  Reece,  James  Raney,  A.  J.  Stephens,  John  Smith, 
J.  W.  Stewart,  Andrew  Stuart,  W.  H.  Thomas,  John 
Thomas,  W.  M.  Timberlake,  J.  M.  Shavers,  N,  Van- 
trease,  J.  T.  Winfrey,  J.  W.  Whitley,  J.  A.  Winfrey, 
Lewis  Washburn,  W.  E.  Williams,  W.  H.  Whittington. 
F.  P.  Lyon,  J.  D.  Estes. 

Killed:  W.  C  Curtis,  J.  F.  Gaultney,  F.  P.  Lyon, 
Joseph  Woolen,  Shiloh ;  J.  C.  Craddock,  A.  P.  Crouch, 
Bailey  Marks,  J.  A.  Mooneyham,  Joel  Mooneyham, 

169 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Amos  Petry,  G.  W.  Hall,  Perryville ;  J.  A.  King,  W.  J. 
Knight,  C.  Fumel,  Murfreesboro ;  J,  W.  Stewart, 
Chickamauga.  Died:  James  Allison,  December  24, 
1861 ;  Sampson  Braswell,  January  4,  1862;  W.  B.  Car- 
ter, January  10,  1862 ;  W.  H.  Mott,  Alexandria,  after 
having  been  wounded  at  Murfreesboro. 


Company  A^  Capt.  L.  N.  Savage,  was  raised  around 
Smithville  in  May,  1861,  and  mustered  into  the  Six- 
teenth Tennessee  Regiment  June  9.  Captain  Savage 
was  born  in  Warren  County  April  25,  1837,  removed 
to  Smithville  in  1859,  and  was  mortally  wounded  at 
Murfreesboro,  dying  March  15,  1863.  The  company 
was  in  the  Cheat  Mountain  and  Little  Sewell  Moun- 
tain campaigns  and  at  Perryville,  Murfreesboro,  Chick- 
amauga, Missionary  Ridge,  Kennesaw,  Jonesboro, 
Franklin,  and  Nashville.  It  surrendered  in  North 
Carolina. 

Officers :  L.  N.  Savage,  captain ;  I.  C.  Stone,  first 
lieutenant ;  John  K.  Bain,  second  lieutenant ;  R.  B.  An- 
derson, third  lieutenant;  G.  W.  Witt,  first  sergeant; 
G.  L.  Talley,  second  sergeant;  R.  M.  Magness,  third 
sergeant ;  T.  B.  Potter,  fourth  sergeant ;  J.  W.  Harris, 
first  corporal ;  L.  G.  Bing,  second  corporal ;  M.  L.  Can- 
trell,  third  corporal ;  S.  M.  Philips,  fourth  corporal. 

Promotions:  T.  B.  Potter,  sergeant  major,  1861  ; 
R.  B.  Anderson,  first  lieutenant,  1862;  G.  W.  Witt, 
second  lieutenant,  1862;  G.  L.  Talley,  third  lieutenant, 
1863;  W.  C.  Potter,  first  lieutenant,  1863;  J.  C.  Webb, 
second  lieutenant,  1863;  L.  R.  Witt,  third  lieutenant, 
1863. 

170 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Privates :  William  Adcock,  E.  K.  Adcock,  Isaac  Ad- 
cock,  Benjamin  Atnip,  E.  L.  Atnip,  John  Atnip,  Lar- 
kin  Bayne,  R.  W.  Banks,  T.  M.  Hooper,  T.  A.  Hooper, 
Dick  Hooper,  James  Hooper,  Rich  Jones,  J.  W.  John- 
son, E.  S.  James,  John  James,  W.  L.  Judkins,  F.  E.  P. 
Kennedy,  James  Koger,  Pomp  Kersey,  A.  J.  Kersey, 
Felix  Kersey,  Calvin  Kersey,  E.  League,  E.  Lockhart, 
John  Lefever,  John  Mason,  Bud  Miller,  L.  D.  Moore, 
John  Moore,  W.  C.  Moore,  J.  A.  Moore,  John  Martin, 
W.  P.  Martin,  Thomas  Martin,  W.  B.  Martin,  R.  Mar- 
tin, Jasper  Martin,  Rube  Meeks,  R.  W.  McGinnis, 
Elisha  McGinnis,  G.  P.  Maynard,  J.  M.  Pertle,  Charles 
Pullin,  Robert  Pullin,  W.  C.  Potter,  O.  D.  Potter, 
Thomas  Potter,  J.  D.  Philips,  S.  M.  Philips,  Dave  Pitt- 
man,  Robert  Rowland,  Jesse  Redman,  Ben  Rowland, 
Rich  Richardson,  W.  Richardson,  T.  J.  Richardson, 
James  Rigsby,  W.  G.  Stevens,  John  Stevens,  James 
Bing,  W.  H.  Bing,  P.  Bozarth,  J.  H.  Bozarth,  James 
Bozarth,  J.  A.  Briggs,  W.  H.  Cunningham,  J.  H.  Can- 
trell,  U.  E.  Cantrell,  J.  R.  Cantrell,  James  Cantrell, 
Jehu  Cantrell,  John  Cantrell,  M.  L.  Cantrell,  I.  D. 
Cantrell,  W.  H.  Cantrell,  L.  D.  Cantrell,  B.  M.  Can- 
trell, D.  W.  Cantrell,  Leonard  Cantrell,  W.  C.  Can- 
trell, Wat  Cantrell,  Isaac  Cantrell,  Peter  Cantrell. 
P.  G.  Cantrell,  A.  M.  Cantrell,  G.  P.  Cantrell,  :\Iar- 
tin  Cantrell,  Thomas  Cherry,  Isaac  Conger,  J.  W. 
Colwell,  June  Driver,  W.  L.  Driver,  Isaiah  Driver,  C. 
B.  Davis,  M.  Duwese,  D.  C.  Dollar,  Thomas  Dozier, 
Martin  Delong,  Wat  Eastham,  H.  C.  Eastham,  J.  B. 
Fisher,  S.  M.  Fulton,  Cal  Fowler,  Samuel  Hathaway, 
Len  Hathaway,  W.  A.  Hallum,  B.  M.  Hicks,  Dallas 

171 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Hicks,  William  Herron,  J.  M.  Stevens,  W.  B.  Sweeney, 

A.  Simpson,  A.  J.  Smith,  Burdine  Smith,  Noah  Smith, 
Henry  Seawells,  H.  C.  Tate,  J.  R.  Thompson,  Fielding- 
Turner,  Garrison  Taylor,  Ross  Unchurch,  John  Van 
Hosser,  L.  R.  Witt,  W.  Walls,  John  Womack,  P.  G. 
Webb,  I.  C.  Webb,  D.  B.  Worley,  W.  M.  Womack,  W. 
M.  Wilmoth,  John  E.  Warren,  J.  B.  Wilkinson,  B.  C. 
Wilkinson,  Ben  Judkins. 

Killed:  Capt.  L.  N.  Savage,  Lieut.  R.  B.  Anderson, 
Lieut.  W.  G.  Witt,  Felix  Kersey,  E.  League,  W.  A. 
Hallum,  E.  Lockhart,  John  E.  Warren,  Murfreesboro ; 
W.  L.  Cantrell,  J.  H.  Cantrell,  James  Cantrell,  F.  E. 

B.  Kennedy,  W.  C.  Moore,  R.  Rowland,  P.  G.  Webb, 
Perryville ;  B.  Atnip,  Georgia ;  Wat  Eastham,  Thomas 
Dozier,  S.  M.  Fulton,  William  Richardson,  A.  Simp- 
son, Atlanta;  W.  H.  Cantrell,  James  Driver,  T.  A. 
Hooper,  A.  J.  Kersey,  Robert  Martin,  Franklin ;  H.  C, 
Tate,  Lost  Mountain.  Wounded:  S.  G.  Bing,  R.  M. 
Magness,  B.  M.  Cantrell,  S.  M.  Philips,  R.  M.  Banks, 
D.  W.  Cantrell,  T,  M.  Hooper,  Rich  Jones,  F,  Turner, 
John  Mason,  Perryville;  Capt.  G.  L.  Talley,  W.  C. 
Potter,  Chickamauga ;  Isaac  Adcock,  Resaca ;  E.  L. 
Atnip,  J.  R.  Thompson,  W.  L.  Judkins,  Atlanta ;  Peter 
Cantrell,  J.  Lefever,  G.  Taylor,  B.  C.  Wilkinson,  G. 
W.  Colwell,  J.  C  Webb,  Murfreesboro;  J.  W.  John- 
son, Franklin.  Died :  William  Adcock,  O.  D.  Potter, 
Thomas  Potter,  L.  R.  Witt,  William  Walls,  Camp 
Trousdale,  1861 ;  William  Herron,  Richard  Hooper, 
John  Womack  (missing),  Georgia,  1864;  James  Bing, 
W.  H.  Bing,  in  prison ;  James  Hooper,  South  Carolina, 

172 


COL.  ROBERT  CANTRELL 

TWENTY-THIRD    REGIMENT.  TENNESSEE  CONFEDERATES 

FROM    AN   OUD     DAGUERREOTYPE     LOANED    BY 
MRS.   JACK    BUCHANAN.    LEBANON 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

1864;  J.   A.   Moore,  home,    1863;  Elisha  McGinnis, 
unknown;  William  Womack,  Hattersville,  1861. 


Capt.  Robert  Cantrell's  company  (C)  recruited 
around  Smithville,  became  a  part  of  the  Twenty-Third 
Regiment  of  Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry.  Its 
commander  was  later  elected  lieutenant  colonel.  G.  W. 
Hicks  was  elected  colonel  and  later  Erastus  D.  Foster. 
Other  promotions  were  of  Lieuts.  W.  D.  Rhinehardt, 
Lawson  W.  Lee,  and  A.  P.  Cantrell.  The  company 
saw  service  in  Virginia  and  at  Shiloh.  After  fighting 
at  Perryville,  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga,  and  Mis- 
sionary Ridge,  and  going  through  the  Georgia  cam- 
paign, it  was  at  Franklin  and  Nashville  and  sur- 
rendered in  North  Carolina.  Capt.  John  C.  New,  of 
Cannon  County,  writes :  "After  the  Twenty-Third  had 
served  about  twelve  months,  it  was  reorganized.  At 
this  time  Captain  Cantrell  was  elected  lieutenant 
colonel,  but  soon  resigned.  Ras  Foster  was  elected 
captain  of  the  company,  and  after  serving  some  time 
he  left  and  carried  many  of  his  men  with  him.  The 
company  was  consolidated  with  mine.  Zeb  Lee  was 
a  member  of  the  company  and  lost  a  leg  at  Chicka- 
mauga. His  brother,  Lieut.  Lawson  Lee,  was 
killed."  Colonel  Cantrell  was  for  several  years  a  dis- 
tinguished circuit  judge  of  Tennessee,  residing  at 
Lebanon.  He  was  born  November  9,  1823,  and  died 
February  9,  1903. 

Officers :  Captain,  Robert  Cantrell ;  first  lieutenant, 
Joseph  Y.  Stewart;  second,  L.  J.  Magness;  third,  C. 
A.  Cantrell ;  first  sergeant,  William  Hi  Smith ;  second, 

173 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

A.  P.  Cantrell ;  third,  L.  W.  Lee ;  fourth,  A.  J.  Potter  ; 
corporals,  E.  D.  Foster,  P.  G,  Cantrell,  Isaac  Cantrell, 
A.  G.  Beckwith;  drummer,  Calvin  Hendrixson;  fifer, 
Brien  Hughes. 

Privates:  David  Adcock,  Wilson  Adcock,  Lucian 
Allen,  R.  H.  Atnip,  Ben  Bullard,  W.  G.  Baker,  J.  C. 
Brock,  W.  M.  Bryant,  Asbury  Barnes,  S.  Bradford, 
H.  C.  Barnes,  D.  G.  Byars,  John  Brimer,  Pleas  Cald- 
well, H.  P.  Cantrell,  James  Cantrell,  J.  L.  Crips,  J.  A. 
Capshaw,  W.  C  Cantrell,  Julius  Cantrell,  Abe  Can- 
trell, I.  Cantrell,  Jr.,  B.  H.  Cantrell,  J.  B.  Cotton,  M. 
Coldwell,  Eliah  Cantrell,  W.  W.  Coldwell,  W.  Cold- 
well,  L.  L.  Cantrell,  W.  M.  Bryant,  B.  H.  Cantrell, 
William  Carter,  Smith  Cantrell,  Sam  Cantrell,  L.  D. 
Day,  David  Davis,  J.  H.  Dodd,  M.  D.  Davis,  John  De- 
long,  Henry  Frazier,  Jasper  Fowler,  Newton  Fowler, 
A.  H.  Farmer,  J.  L.  Fuson,  J.  R.  Fuson,  J.  B.  Ferrell, 
S.  M.  Foster,  J.  H.  Ford,  J.  D.  Givan,  Thomas  Givan, 
J.  W.  Green,  John  Greer,  M.  Greer,  J.  P.  Jacobs,  J.  C. 
Hodges,  Isaac  Hurst,  Jere  Hendrixon,  Cal  Hendrixon, 
Jr.,  Tilman  Haney,  William  Haney,  James  I\I.  Jud- 
kins,  W.  A.  Johnson,  J.  P.  Jacobs,  P.  J.  Lee,  Elias 
Lane,  Jr.,  S.  M.  Liles,  J.  W.  Lamberson,  Z.  P.  Lee, 
Obe  Moss,  G.  Lane,  C.  Lane,  James  Moor,  J.  Martin, 
R.  W.  Melton,  J.  H.  Mahaffey,  T.  A.  Mason,  A.  F. 
McDowell,  Sam  Mitchell,  J.  P.  Moor,  William  Par- 
sons, Oliver  Parkinson,  G.  W.  Pirtle,  J.  L.  Pirtle, 
Tarleton  Parrish,  W.  R.  Parrish,  Hezekiah  Page,  Arch 
Pack,  Russel  Rigsby,  James  Ridge,  J.  S.  Ridge,  J.  M. 
Redmond,  James  Robinson,  W.  J.  Rigsby,  W.  D. 
Rhinehardt,  J.  M.  Reeves,  C.  C.  Smith,  P.  G.  Smith, 

174 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Bradford  Sherrell,  Wesley  Steelmon,  J.  P.  Stoner,  A. 
A.  Stanford,  W.  H.  Starnes,  J.  S.  Starnes,  G.  W.  Tay- 
lor, L.  R.  Taylor,  F.  J.  Titsworth,  J,  M.  Vaughn,  J. 
N.  Vaughn,  G.  W.  Warren. 

Killed:  A.  G.  Allen,  Fort  Munford;  Lawson  Lee, 
W.  A.  Carter,  June  29,  1864;  W.  G.  Warren,  Chicka- 
mauga;  W.  L.  Lawson,  Bean's  Station.  Died:  F.  J. 
Titsworth,  R.  W.  Melton,  Chattanooga,  January  24, 
1863;  James  Ridge,  July  26,  1863;  Julius  Cantrell, 
October  18,  1861  ;  H.  Page,  June  i,  1862;  A.  H. 
Farmer,  November  24,  1861. 


Capt.  Perry  Adcock's  company  was  also  raised  in 
the  Smithville  section.  It  was  difficult  to  trace  this 
company,  but  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  War  De- 
partment explained  that  Captain  Adcock's  company 
was  designated  as  C  in  Colms's  First  Battalion  of  Ten- 
nessee Infantry  and  afterwards  as  Company  K,  Fiftieth 
Tennessee  Confederate  Infantry.  The  company  sur- 
rendered in  North  Carolina  in  April,  1865,  after  hav- 
ing served  in  numerous  engagements  in  various  States, 
from  Fort  Donelson  to  the  close  of  the  war.  Captain 
Adcock  had  served  also  in  the  war  with  Mexico.  He 
was  born  March  4,  1829,  and  died  January  11,  1908. 

Officers:  Captain,  Perry  Adcock;  first  lieutenant,  J. 
P.  Titsworth ;  second,  C.  Turner ;  third,  W.  N.  Jones ; 
adjutant,  C.  B.  Cantrell ;  first  sergeant,  A.  P.  Adcock ; 
second,  David  Delong;  third,  Henry  Bain;  fourtli, 
Isaiah  Bain ;  fifth,  W.  R.  Dunham ;  corporals,  Thomas 
Adcock,  Henry  Adcock,  J.  D.  Thweat,  James  M. 
Webb. 

175 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Privates :  William,  J.  C,  John,  Joseph,  P.  J.  L.,  and 
Wesley  Adcock,  Rich  Atnip,  H.  Aikens,  William  Al- 
len, N.  Adcock,  William  Bain,  Isaac  Bain,  D.  C.  Bain, 
John  K.  Bain,  William,  John,  and  Wesley  Blunt,  Joseph 
Capshaw,  John  Capshaw,  William  Capshaw,  William 
J.  U.,  Richard,  and  Jason  Certain,  T.  Cantrell,  Giles 
Driver,  Jr.,  Xoah  Deboard,  Watson  Belong,  James 
Belong,  John  Bavis,  John  Fisher,  Joseph  and  William 
Fisher,  Baniel  Fowler,  Charles  Ferrell,  A.  Goodson, 
O.  B.  Goodson,  Webb  and  L.  Hutchins,  Andrew  Jack- 
son, H.  G.  and  Grundy  Kirby,  C.  Lack,  Bavid  Looney, 
William  Love,  T.  J.  Lew-is,  J.  P.  Jones,  Alfred  Lewis, 
John  McFall,  Vincent  ^lanor,  Abijah  ^Martin,  B.  W, 
Marsh,  Ben  Pinegar,  Ben  Pollard,  Henry  Pitts,  G,  W. 
Pollard,  John  Pinegar,  Bart  Pack,  N.  B.  Parker,  Ben 
Roland,  James  Ray,  James  Rigsby,  Br.  J.  B.  Rigsby, 
Sam  Roberts,  E.  C.  Roland,  L.  P.  Rigsby,  S.  Slaten, 
O.  and  William  Sullivan,  Wilson  Taylor,  G.  W.  and 
William  Turner,  James  Webb,  Jackson  West,  Alex 
Walker,  F.  AL  Wilkinson,  Isaac,  Pleasant,  and  Thomas 
Young,  J.  M.  Stephens,  B.  W.  Marsh,  John  McAfee, 
I  P.,  Jasper,  and  Alfred  Lewis,  J.  K.  Belong,  William 
Certain,  W.  B.  Jones,  William  Lane,  W.  Z.  Pollard, 
Francis,  Bavid,  J.  P.,  and  Thomas  Lewis,  G.  W.  Pol- 
lard, J.  G.  Rankhorn,  W.  R.  Bunham,  John  Fuller,  A. 
B.  Cheatham,  R.  Presnel,  Sam  Roberts,  Joshua  Seal, 
J.  A.  Walker,  Ainsley  Stephens,  Canada  Rigsby, 
George  Stidman,  John  Corley,  B.  C.  Belong,  A.  B, 
Cheatham,  J.  W.  Green,  G.  A.  Neal,  Henry  Pitts,  Clai- 
born  Edwards,  Elijah  Quillen,  J.  M.  Webb. 

Bied:  James  Webb,  Memphis,  October  6,  1862;  S. 

176 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

D.  Lane,  Tappan,  Miss.,  November  i6,  1862;  W.  Z. 
Pollard,  Clinton,  La. ;  John  Castel,  Brookhaven,  Miss. ; 
G.  W.  Turner,  Lauderdale  Springs,  Miss. ;  Isaiah  Bain, 
Alton  (III.)  Prison. 


Allison's  Battalion  of  Cavalry,  raised  by  Col.  R.  D. 
Allison,  John  S.  Reece,  and  Robert  V.  Wright  at 
Alexandria,  consisted  of  three  companies  and  was, 
besides  taking  part  in  a  number  of  the  most  important 
battles  of  the  war,  very  active  in  DeKalb  County  dur- 
ing Morgan's  occupation  and  afterwards.  It  was  with 
Wheeler  on  his  last  raid  through  East  Tennessee  in  the 
summer  of  1864;  but  it  seems  from  Du  Bose's  "Life  of 
\Vheeler"  that  it  was,  with  other  companies,  sent  under 
Gen  "Cerro  Gordo"  Williams  to  attack  a  Federal  gar- 
rison at  Strawberry  Plains.  Finding  the  garrison  too 
strong,  it  marched  to  overtake  Wheeler,  but  did  not 
succeed.  It  followed  close  on  his  heels  through  Sparta, 
Liberty,  and  Alexandria,  and  went  into  camp  near 
Murfreesboro,  soon,  however,  taking  the  Woodbury 
Pike  and  returning  south  across  the  mountains,  en- 
gaging in  considerable  fighting  on  the  way. 

After  the  war  Colonel  Allison  removed  to  Texas, 
where  he  thrice  represented  his  county  in  the  State 
legislature,  and  died  at  an  advanced  age.  Captain 
Reece  removed  to  Nashville,  becoming  prominentl\ 
identified  with  the  city's  interests,  though  his  sight 
was  greatly  impaired  before  the  close  of  the  war.  As 
Colonel  Allison  was  old  and  Captain  Reece  with  im- 
paired sight.  Captain  Wright  commanded  the  DeKalb 
12  177 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Countians,  who  had  been  consoHdated  with  Shaw's 
BattaHon  after  Missionary  Ridge,  in  the  later  months. 
Captain  Reece  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1814,  and  died 
in  February,  1868,  only  fifty-four,  but  a  veteran  of  the 
war  with  the  Seminoles,  the  Mexican  War,  and  the 
War  between  the  States.  Captain  Wright  also  located 
in  Nashville,  where  he  won  splendid  business  success. 
He  was  living  in  1914,  somewhat  more  than  eighty 
years  of  age. 

This  from  Lieut.  B.  L.  Ridley's  published  diary  gives 
in  a  small  way  an  idea  of  the  horrors  of  war.  It  is 
dated  Smithville,  N.  C,  March  2^,  1865 :  "This  after- 
noon went  with  General  Stewart  to  the  depot,  where 
we  found  Colonel  Allison,  a  Tennessee  cavalryman, 
on  his  way  westward  with  the  body  of  his  son,  who 
was  killed  a  day  or  two  ago  near  Goldsboro  trying  to 
rescue  some  ladies  from  the  clutches  of  the  enemy." 
By  the  way,  still  as  illustrative,  General  Forrest  and 
his  escort  were  on  a  road  three  miles  from  Selma,  Ala., 
one  night  after  the  retreat  from  Nashville.  Suddenly 
the  cries  of  women  in  distress  reached  them.  "Guided 
by  the  sounds,"  to  quote  the  diary  of  Ben  Hancock, 
of  the  Second  Regiment  of  Cavalry,  "Forrest  and 
some  of  his  men  dashed  thither,  to  find  a  neighboring 
house  in  the  possession  of  four  Federal  bummers  who, 
having  rifled  it,  were  engaged  in  the  effort  to  outrage 
the  women  who  lived  there.  Summary  was  the  fate  of 
these  wretches.  The  escort  was  now  getting  excited, 
.  .  .  and,  meeting  a  number  of  these  fellows  loaded, 
down  with  plunder,  they  did  not  hesitate  to  slay  them 
on  the  spot.    Hearing  the  sounds  of  what  was  happen- 

17S 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ing  ahead,  Forrest,  to  check  it,  took  the  conduct  of  tlie 
advance  upon  himself."  It  is  not  beheved  that  any 
DeKalb  soldiers  on  either  side  were  ever  charged  with 
assaulting  women. 

Allison's  squadron,  when  it  surrendered  with  Gen- 
eral Shaw  in  North  Carolina  in  1865,  numbered  only 
about  thirty  men,  according  to  Lieut.  Ed  Reece. 

The  writer  has  been  able  to  secure  from  the  muti- 
lated records  in  the  archives  at  Washington  the  follow- 
ing names  only  of  the  troops  of  Allison's  Battalion. 
They  cover  various  periods  of  the  war: 

Company  A,  officers :  Senior  captain,  R.  D.  Allison ; 
captain,  John  H.  Allison;  first  lieutenant,  James  A. 
Nesmith ;  second,  James  N.  Eaton ;  third,  James  W. 
Foutch;  sergeants,  J.  A.  Atwell,  J.  L.  Reasonover,  J. 
E.  Robinson,  J.  W.  Boyd ;  corporals,  James  B.  Greg- 
ston,  Ab  Drury,  W.  J.  Eaton. 

Privates :  R.  D.  Allison,  J.  W.  Allen,  William  Allen, 
George  Ashe,  William  Ashe,  William  Eskew,  J.  A. 
Boyd,  William  Corley,  David  Crook,  Robert  Caskey. 
John  Cartwright,  William  Carr,  Daniel  Driver,  A. 
Davis,  Hardin  Denny,  J.  H.  Foutch,  J.  W.  Floyd,  E. 
and  Joseph  Gann,  Freeling  H.  Hayes,  J.  A.  Higdon, 
Horace  M.  Hale,  Leander  B.  Hale,  F.  W.  Hobson, 
John  Johnson,  Gus  H.  Johnson,  James  W.  Keaton,  R. 
W.  Keaton,  Jake  H.  King,  R.  A.  King,  W.  R.  King, 
H.  D.  Lester,  S.  M.  Leftwick,  L.  C.  Lincoln,  James 
C.  Malone,  N.  J.  Petty,  W.  F.  Powell,  Irving  Parsley, 
Ben  Robinson,  James  M.  Turney,  H.  J.  Wills,  Pleas 
C.  Adams,  C.  A.  Bailiff,  G.  W.  Adkins,  M.  Byford, 
Monroe  Bailiff,   P.   Dedman,   M.   L.   Dedman,  J.   H. 

179 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Gann,  N.  Gann,  Thomas  Malone,  R.  W.  Tubb,  W.  S. 
Webster,  W.  M.  Walker,  J.  D.  Wheeler,  James  Mulli- 
nax,  D.  L.  Braswell,  James  Rigdon,  H.  J.  Wills,  New- 
ton Petty,  Shade  L.  Davis,  Patterson  Dedman,  John 
H.  Gann,  Michael  Gann,  W.  H.  Gann,  Nathan  Gann, 
Denham  Bethel,  D.  L.  Russell. 

Killed :  Edward  Gann,  Chickamauga,  September  19, 
1863.  Died :  Joseph  Gann,  Tunnel  Hill,  Ga.,  January 
5.  1864. 


Company  B,  officers :  Captain,  J.  S.  Reece ;  first  lieu- 
tenant, D.  Brien;  second,  J.  M.  Floyd;  third,  L.  P. 
Rutland;  sergeants,  T.  W.  Yeargin,  T.  R.  Foster, 
James  Jones,  Britton  Odum,  Ed  Reece;  corporal,  J. 
J.  Cutler. 

Privates:  W.  W.  Adams,  N.  B.  Bradley,  W.  C. 
Craddick,  David  Curtis,  J.  P.  Doss,  M.  B.  Dunn,  Pack 
W.  Florida,  Tilman  H.  Foster,  J.  Ervin  Foster,  T.  J. 
Finley,  R.  B.  Floyd,  L.  H.  Fite,  Sam  George,  C.  A. 
Hollinsworth,  D,  H.  Hale  (teamster),  W.  H.  Jackson. 
Wiley  Jones,  W.  H.  Luckey  (bugler),  W.  C  McGann, 
George  Neal,  Robert  Neal,  Ervin  Newsom,  L.  F.  Por- 
terfield,  Oliver  W.  Roberts,  William  Shanks,  J.  C. 
Trammel,  J.  B.  Tarpley,  J.  B.  Thompson,  G.  W.  Van- 
trease,  Thomas  Warren,  Newt  Warren,  David  Wal- 
lace, Isaiah  White,  J.  R.  Witt,  Columbus  Yeargin,  G. 
W.  Lanier,  Henry  Lanier,  James  Pope,  G.  H.  Mc- 
Gann, T.  J.  Coleman,  L  C.  Stone,  William  Hullet, 
James  Jones,  R.  H.  Newsom,  Sim  Adamson,  Henry 
Bell,  William  Adamson,  J.  H.  Burton,  Hiram  Carter, 

i8o 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

W.  J.  Covington,  J.  C.  Estes,  William  Foster,  James 
S.  Foutch,  Bartley  L,  James,  A.  A.  J.  Jennings,  J.  M. 
Jones,  Thomas  King,  Calaway  Neal,  J.  R,  Newsom, 
J.  B.  Pendleton,  J.  J.  Rich,  Presley  Stroud,  O.  B. 
Staley,  Jacob  Vantrease,  Jackson  Vantrease,  J.  Wil- 
loby,  J.  Washer,  Nathan  Walden,  G.  Hutchinson, 
Fayette  Henley,  Nelson  Bryant,  J.  W.  Buckner,  B.  J. 
Bethel,  Henry  George,  Sam  Huggins,  A.  J.  Lanier. 
J.  T.  Lawrence,  Dan  McKee,  Monroe  Malone,  John 
Marks,  S.  T.  Porterfield,  J.  J.  Porterfield,  S.  A.  Rick- 
ett,  Lander  Jackson,  Thomas  Estes,  John  Shores,  J. 
R.  Smith,  Ed  Winn,  Henry  Bell,  G.  C.  McGann,  Hiram 
Curtis. 

Killed:  William  Hullet,  James  Jones,  R.  A.  New- 
som, Chickamauga,  September  19,  1863. 


Company  C,  officers :  Captain,  R.  V.  Wright ;  first 
lieutenant,  A.  W.  O.  Baker ;  second,  Orson  B.  Wright ; 
third,  W.  V.  Harrel ;  sergeants,  John  A.  Jones,  W.  A. 
Yeargin,  John  Heflin;  corporals,  William  Hubbard, 
John  A.  Mooneyham. 

Privates:  L.  J.  Allison,  William  C.  Bradford,  J.  C. 
Bailey,  A.  M.  Cantrell,  C.  F.  Cantrell,  G.  C.  Flippin, 
John  Gilly,  James  Hawkins,  William  Mooneyham, 
James  Jones,  James  Hines,  J,  D.  Martin,  W.  S.  Patey, 
J.  B.  Palmer,  W.  B.  Price,  Thomas  Spears,  George 
Springfield,  Sam  Hooper,  Jonas  Whitley,  C.  M. 
Thompson,  J.  T.  Thompson,  Z,  U.  Thompson,  J.  S. 
Thompson,  Garrett  Clay,  B.  F.  Batts,  W.  D.  Yeargin, 
Bethel  Batts,  John  A.  Farmer,  Thomas  Howard,  Wil- 
liam Harper,  Charles  Harris,  W.  W.  Minton,  George 

181 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Nichols,  P.  Simpson,  C.  Vanderpool,  Jeff  Braswell, 
John  A.  Mooneyham,  J.  H.  Baird,  A.  M.  Carter,  H.  D. 
B,  Anderson,  T,  C.  Bradford,  R.  Barbae,  C.  Barbee. 

Killed:  Garrett  Clay,  Chickamauga,  September  19, 
1863. 

The  above  are  from  Captain  Wright's  rolls  from  De- 
cember 31,  1863,  to  February  29,  1864;  from  February 
29,  1864,  to  April  30,  1864;  from  April  30,  1864,  to 
June  30,  1864;  and  from  June  30,  1864,  to  December 
31,  1864.  Under  the  first  date  A.  W.  O.  Baker  was 
first  lieutenant;  second,  O.  B.  Wright;  third,  W.  V. 
Harrel.  Under  the  second  date  W.  V.  Harrel  is  third 
lieutenant.  Under  the  third  date  no  lieutenants  are 
mentioned,  nor  are  there  any  for  June  30,  1864,  to 
December  31,  1864.  These  are  the  latest  existing  rec- 
ords. But  two  or  three  living  members  of  the  squadron 
have  sent  in  the  names  of  a  few  other  troops,  though  it 
is  not  known  to  what  companies  they  belonged.  Lieut. 
Ed  Recce's  list  is :  John  Bowman,  John  Batts,  J.  T. 
Quarels,  Isaac  Cooper,  and  Jerome  Barton.  James  H. 
Burton  contributes  this  list:  Bill  Bone,  Cain  Adams, 
John  Parkerson,  Lito  Hullet,  Alex  Stanley,  John 
Reeves,  George  Beckwith,  Mose  Blythe,  and  Dr.  Fay- 
ette Knight. 

Of  course  during  the  war  there  were  many  changes 
in  subordinate  officers  not  mentioned  here — promo- 
tions, resignations,  and  here  and  there  a  desertion. 
The  desertions  in  both  Federal  and  Confederate  com- 
panies from  the  county  were  considerable,  and  now 
and  then  we  find  men,  as  Lowell's  bashful  beau  "stood 
awhile  on  one  foot  fust  an'  then  awhile  on  t'other," 

182 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

who  fought  in  the  cause  of  both  South  and  North,  at 
first  with  one  side  and  then  with  the  other. 


DeKalb  County  officers  in  P.  C.  Shields's  company 
(G)  of  Col.  J.  H.  Savage's  regiment:  A.  T.  Fisher, 
first  lieutenant ;  James  K.  Fisher,  third.  A.  T.  Fisher 
was  promoted  to  captain  in  1862. 

Privates:  Jasper  Adcock,  H.  P.  Adcock,  William 
Allen,  A.  J.  Allen,  Ben  Atnip,  John  Atnip,  Alfred 
Bain,  Peter  Bain,  Josiah  Bain,  John  Bain,  Peter  Bain 
(second),  Henry  Bain,  C.  Bain,  J.  L.  Britton,  M. 
Blount,  Joseph  Cantrell,  C.  W.  Cantrell,  W.  L.  Can- 
trell,  H.  B.  Cope,  W.  A.  Cotton,  Ben  Capshaw,  T.  A. 
Cotten,  John  Denton,  D.  L.  Dunham,  L,  R.  Dunham, 
John  Donnell,  Gabriel  Elkins,  John  Fisher,  L.  B. 
Fisher  J.  P.  Fisher,  Lawson  Fisher,  M.  L.  Fisher,  G. 
W.  Gilbert,  L.  W.  Gilbert,  William  Goodson,  Thomas 
Hodges,  Robert  Love,  Joseph  Ray,  C.  G.  Rankhorn, 
Levi  Lassiter,  H.  L.  P.  Sanders,  Wiley  Sanders,  Isaiah 
Lassiter,  F.  M.  Wright,  S.  L.  Walker,  John  Megger- 
son,  O.  D.  Walker,  Alex  Walker,  Seth  F.  Wright,  D. 
W.  Worst,  James  Wright,  and  Deskin  Wright. 

Killed:  Isaiah  Bain,  C.  Bain,  W.  L.  Cantrell,  H.  B. 
Cope,  Lawson  Fisher,  F.  M.  Wright,  S.  L.  Walker, 
Perryville ;  J.  L.  Britton,  Thomas  Hodges,  John  Fisher, 
Murfreesboro.  Wounded:  W.  A.  Cotton,  Perryville; 
C.  G.  Rankhorn,  Kennesaw  Mountain.  Died  in  serv- 
ice :  D.  L.  Dunham,  in  prison ;  C.  A.  Cantrell,  Georgia ; 
A.  J.  Allen,  Kentucky. 

Horace  McGuire  gives  this  memory  list  of  DeKalb 
County  Confederates  living  in  1914:  B.  M.  Cantrell, 

183 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Horace  jMcGuire,  Thomas  Hooper,  Sam  Hooper,  R. 
W.  McGinnis,  B.  N.  Hicky,  John  Vanhouser,  Hans 
Merritt,  John  D.  Johnson,  Dick  Moore,  J.  M.  Redmon, 
Jim  Fuson,  W.  T.  Wall,  Mose  Rankhorn,  T.  C.  Allen, 
Jim  Wilkins,  Watt  Cantrell,  W.  C.  Gilbert,  Louis  Bing, 
A.  P.  Cantrell,  Hes  Cantrell,  Joe  Cantrell,  John  Givan, 
Polk  Johnson,  J.  H.  Mahaffy,  Luke  Simpson,  J.  W. 
Watson,  Jesse  Redman,  Madison  Pass,  Newt  Avery, 
John  K.  Bain,  Ed  Reece,  Bob  King,  William  Luck\', 
R.  V.  Wright,  Isaiah  White,  Thomas  Givan,  Roland 
Foster,  and  Horace  M.  Hale. 

184 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Stokes's  Cavalry, 

The  Fifth  (Union)  Regiment  of  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
sometimes  called  the  First  Middle  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
was  organized  at  Nashville,  Murfreesboro,  and  Car- 
thage, from  July  15,  1862,  to  March  26,  1864,  to  serve 
three  years,  and  was  mustered  out  of  service  August 
14,  1865.  The  regiment  consisted  of  twelve  companies 
and  was  recruited  by  Col.  William  B.  Stokes,  acting 
under  authority  from  Military  Governor  Andrew  John- 
son. The  regiment  was  in  various  battles  and  skir- 
mishes during  the  latter  part  of  1862  and  was  in  the 
battle  of  Murfreesboro,  or  Stone's  River.  From  that 
battle  till  the  close  of  the  war  the  regiment  was  em- 
ployed mainly  in  detachments  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Middle  Tennessee.  One  battalion  was  stationed  at 
Shelbyville  for  some  time  and  was  in  several  skir- 
mishes there.  The  other  portion  of  the  regiment  was 
stationed  at  Carthage  and  was  kept  busy  also,  as, 
among  other  duties,  it  was  required  to  carry  the  mail 
from  that  point  to  Gallatin.  A  portion  of  Stokes's 
command,  under  Captain  Cain  and  Lieutenant  Carter, 
was  in  the  battle  of  Lookout  Mountain.  A  part  was 
also  at  Chickamauga  and  Chattanooga  under  Lieuts. 
Wingate  T.  Robinson  and  Nelson.  Subsequently  the 
regiment  was  ordered  to  Sparta,  Tenn.,  to  break  up 
the  guerrilla  bands  under  Ferguson,  Hughes,  and 
Bledsoe,  a  contest  in  which  no  quarter  was  given 

185 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

After  this  it  was  ordered  to  Nashville,  where,  under 
Lieut.  Col.  W.  J.  Clift,  it  participated  in  the  battle  in 
front  of  that  city.  Upon  the  removal  of  the  command 
to  Nashville,  Colonel  Stokes  was  assigned  to  command 
the  forces  at  Carthage. 

Three  of  Stokes's  regiments — Company  A,  J.  H. 
Blackburn,  captain ;  Company  B,  Shelah  Waters,  cap- 
tain; and  Company  K,  E.  W.  Bass,  captain — were 
made  up  of  DeKalb  County  men. 

There  were  some  resignations  from  this  regiment  in 
1864,  and  a  new  regiment  was  formed  by  J.  H.  Black- 
burn. Colonel  Stokes  resigned  March  10,  1865,  but 
was  breveted  brigadier  general  by  President  Andrew 
Johnson.  Other  resignations  from  Stokes's  original 
regiment  were  :  Maj.  Shelah  Waters,  January  24,  1865  ; 
Capt.  John  T.  Armstrong,  April  7,  1865 ;  Capt.  J.  H. 
Blackburn,  June  5,  1864;  Capt.  James  T.  Exum» 
March  10,  1865 ;  Capt.  Monroe  Floyd  (who  married 
Captain  Blackburn's  sister),  May  11,  1865;  Capt. 
Robert  E.  Cain,  July  13,  1865.  First  lieutenants  re- 
signed: W.  M.  Beasley,  October  16,  1862;  James 
Worthan,  March  21,  1863;  H.  L.  Newberry,  April  8, 
1863  ;  William  L.  Hathaway,  April  10,  1864;  Sylvanus 
Puckett,  September  i,  1864;  Thomas  A.  Beaton,  Jan- 
uary 6,  1862;  A.  A.  Carter,  February  21,  1865;  James 
L.  Hix,  May  12,  1865;  J.  T.  Mclntyre,  July  2,  1865; 
L.  L.  Faulkner,  July  16,  1865.  Second  lieutenants  re- 
signed :  J.  M.  Phillips,  Marshall  B.  Truax,  C.  T.  Mar- 
tin, E.  H.  Stone,  W.  J.  Bryson. 

Those  discharged  were:  Second  Lieuts.  James  H. 
Gossett,  March  3,  1863.  R.  C.  Couch,  April  25,  1863 

186 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

(but  recommissioned  first  lieutenant  September  4, 
1863),  and  Charles  T.  Martin,  May  20,  1863  (but  re- 
commissioned  second  lieutenant  September  4,  1863). 

Those  killed  were:  Capt.  A.  T.  Julian,  near  Hills- 
boro,  Tenn.,  March  18,  1863,  and  Surgeon  J.  B.  Moore, 
killed  by  guerrillas  September  5,  1864. 

Dismissals  were :  Capt.  E.  W.  Bass,  December  4, 
1864;  First  Lieuts.  R.  H.  Sivley,  January  10,  1864, 
John  T.  Van  Keren,  December  14,  1864,  and  E.  Chas- 
taine,  September  25,  1864. 

First  Lieut.  Robert  A.  Shepard  was  cashiered  in 
January,  1863. 

Maj.  John  Murphey  on  May  15,  1864,  was  promoted 
to  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  Second  Regiment  of 
Mounted  Infantry,  and  on  Februar}^  7,  1865,  Capt. 
Thomas  Waters  was  promoted  to  major  of  the  Fourth 
Regiment  (Blackburn's)  of  Tennessee  Infantry, 

William  J.  Clift  was  appointed  lieutenant  colonel 
June  30,  1864. 

John  Wortham  on  July  i,  1864,  and  Faver  Cason  on 
June  24,  1865,  were  appointed  majors. 

The  following  captains  were  appointed  some  months 
after  the  regiment  was  organized :  W.  O.  Rickman, 
April  22,  1863;  R.  C.  Couch,  September  10,  1863; 
James  Clift,  March  26,  1864;  H.  N.  T.  Ship,  July  i, 
1864. 

W.  P.  Hough  was  made  first  lieutenant  November 
II,  1862;  W.  B.  Pickering,  adjutant,  June  9,  1863. 
Second  lieutenants:  W.  H.  Nelson,  August  6,  1863; 
Wingate  T.  Robinson,  August  9,  1863 ;  J.  B.  Raulston, 
September  10,  1863;  W.  G.  Davis,  July  10,  1864;  E, 

187 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

H.  Gowen,  December  14,  1864;  C.  W.  Stewart,  regi- 
mental quartermaster,  February  8,  1865. 

Later  appointments  of  second  lieutenants  were: 
Elisha  P.  Reynolds,  January  23,  1863 ;  John  B.  Tur- 
ner, August  9,  1863;  J.  W.  Mallard,  November  4, 
1863 ;  Henry  H.  Morris,  January  i,  1864;  H.  M.  Mar- 
shall, February  28,  1864;  John  J.  White,  July  10,  1864; 
J.  W.  Bryan,  February  7,  1865;  G.  B.  Johnson,  Feb- 
ruary 22,  1865. 

Four  of  Stokes's  officers  were  marked  missing  on 
the  rolls:  Capt.  T.  C.  Davis,  since  October,  1862;  Capt, 
E.  G.  Fleming,  since  December,  1862;  Second  Lieut. 
A.  C.  Denson,  since  October,  1862;  Second  Lieut. 
Carl  D.  Brien,  since  June,  1863. 

General  Stokes  was  born  in  Chatham  County,  N.  C, 
September  9,  1814,  and  died  at  Alexandria,  Tenn., 
March  20,  1897.  -^s  shown  in  the  sketch  of  Temper- 
ance Hall,  his  widowed  mother  located  on  her  hus- 
band's land  near  that  village,  where  she  remained  until 
her  death,  in  1853.  This  section  was  attached  to  De- 
Kalb County  in  1850,  so  that  the  county  claims  William 
B.,  Jordan,  and  Thomas  Stokes  among  its  pioneer  citi- 
zens. In  1832  General  Stokes  married  Paralee,  daugh- 
ter of  Col.  Abraham  Overall.  Farming  for  several 
years,  he  began  his  political  career  in  1849  ^s  Repre- 
sentative of  DeKalb  County.  He  was  twice  elected  to 
the  House  and  twice  to  the  Senate,  and,  defeating  John 
A.  Savage  for  Congress  in  1859,  was  reelected.  He 
served  in  Congress  two  years  after  the  war,  and  he  was 
the  nominee  of  his  party  for  the  governorship  in  1870. 
Until  1868  he  resided  three  miles  north  of  Liberty, 

188 


GEN.  W.  B.  STOKES 

FIFTH   TENNESSEE  REGIMENT.   FEDERAL  CAVALRY 

FROM    PORTRAIT    LOANED    BY    MRS.    LEATH    CALHOUN,    NASHVILLE 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

when  he  removed  to  Alexandria,  where  he  devoted 
himself  to  the  practice  of  law. 

In  the  memoranda  of  the  volume  by  Adjutant  Gen- 
eral J.  B.  Brownlow  giving  the  rolls  of  Tennessee 
Federals  for  1861-65  it  is  said  of  Stokes's  Regiment 
that  it  was  in  the  routing  of  Colonels  Bennett  and 
Ward  on  the  Dickerson  Pike  in  September,  1862;  in 
the  defeat  of  Colonel  Dibrell,  driving  him  out  of 
Neely's  Bend,  in  October,  1862;  in  the  battle  with 
Forrest  on  the  Franklin  Pike,  and  drove  him  from  the 
field  at  Lavergne.  It  was  in  numerous  skirmishes 
around  Nashville  and  on  Big  Harpeth  in  the  same 
year;  fought  at  Triune  December  27,  1862,  and  was  in 
the  battle  of  Murfreesboro  from  first  to  last;  a  part, 
under  Colonel  Murphey,  was  at  Bradyville ;  and,  under 
Colonel  Blackburn,  a  part  was  in  the  battle  of  Milton 
and  in  numerous  engagements  around  Liberty  and 
Snow's  Hill.  The  muster  rolls  of  his  three  DeKalb 
County  companies  are  given  below : 

Company  A,  officers :  Lieutenants,  W.  G.  Davis, 
John  J.  White;  sergeants,  J.  B.  Allison,  Robert  A. 
Smith,  F.  M.  Close,  Hamp  Woodside,  Thomas  E. 
Bratten,  J.  W.  Thomas,  Riley  Dale,  Lee  Laf ever ;  cor- 
porals, John  Neal,  W.  R.  Bratten,  W.  J.  Watson,  J.  W. 
Jones,  John  Garrison. 

Privates :  W.  D.  Davis,  J.  White,  J.  A.  Allen,  R.  A, 
Smith,  T.  E.  Bratten,  J.  W.  Thomas,  Riley  Dale,  Lee 
Lafever,  John  Neal,  W.  R.  Bratten,  W.  J.  Watson,  J. 
W.  Jones,  John  Garrison,  Sol  A.  Neal,  Thomas  Kirby, 
E.  C.  Edwards,  J.  M.  Allen,  W.  G.  Allison,  William 
Arnold,  Lige  Br>'ant,  James   Blythe,   Calvin   Blythe, 

189 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

P.  Bozarth,  Pete  Brazwell,  J.  M.  Brazwell,  N.  H. 
Craddock,  J.  W.  Crook,  J.  R.  Corder,  Jim  Carney, 
Thomas  Cripps,  Fred  Chest,  Joseph  Davis,  Reuben 
Davis,  William  Davis,  D.  D.  Driver,  J.  Estes,  W.  R. 
Farler,  Jap  Fitts,  W.  J.  Givan,  Jonathan  Griffith,  J.  M. 
Hays,  Jasper  Hays,  Joe  Hendrixon,  James  Hollands- 
worth,  H.  N.  Hill,  C.  D.  Hutchens,  J.  H.  Hendrixon, 
Wilson  Hendrixon,  William  Hill,  H.  James,  M.  F. 
Jones,  W.  H.  Jackson,  John  Keef,  John  Lynch,  J.  B. 
McGee,  James  McGee,  J.  A.  Mahan,  William  Manared, 
Elisha  Morris,  Mon  Malone,  W.  S.  Parker,  A.  W.  Pat- 
terson, D.  C.  Patten,  W.  J.  Pugh,  Hiser  Richardson, 
B.  F.  Read,  A.  A.  Robinson,  Thomas  Self,  J.  S.  She- 
hane,  Peter  Starnes,  James  Smithson,  Monroe  Spencer, 
J.  J.  Smith,  W.  G.  Smiley,  Wilson  Taylor,  J.  C.  Vick- 
ers,  Thomas  Vinson,  William  Warford,  G.  P.  W.  Wil- 
liams, J.  W.  Wooden,  Oscar  A.  Woodvvorth,  W.  H. 
Word,  J.  B.  Yeargin,  J.  H.  Blackburn,  Monroe  Floyd, 
W.  L.  Hathaway,  J.  J.  Evans,  J.  H.  Gossett,  J.  T. 
Exum,  A.  J.  Garrison,  L.  N.  Woodside,  Martin  E. 
Quinn,  E.  H.  Stone,  James  H.  Blackburn,  George 
Adamson,  C.  M.  Brown,  W.  W.  Govern,  R.  M.  Haw- 
kins, Henry  Malone,  Ed  Pennington,  Josiah  Young- 
blood,  Elijah  Yeargin,  J.  Murphy,  P.  M.  Radford, 
James  H.  Bratten,  William  A.  Dale,  D.  A.  Davis, 
Joseph  Adamson,  David  Barr,  Hiram  Barret,  William 
Bullard,  J.  M.  Campbell,  T.  J.  Chapman,  A.  G.  Davis, 
R.  H.  Green,  G.  H.  Leaver,  S.  J.  McCalib,  R.  S.  Neely, 
G.  W.  Robinson,  J.  B.  Scott,  J.  M.  Smith,  A.  M.  Stone, 
W.  J.  Vickers,  S.  M.  Williams,  Joseph  Wilcher,  A. 
Yeargin,  James  Garrett,  Elisha  Kerly,  F  C.  Overcast. 

190 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Killed :  J.  B.  Aloore,  by  guerrillas,  1864;  W.  J.  Vick- 
ers,  by  g-uerrillas,  1863.  Died  :  Joseph  Adamson,  David 
Barr,  Joseph  Bryant,  April,  1863;  Andrew  George, 
1861. 

Company  B,  officers :  Lieutenants,  E.  H.  Gowan,  J, 
W.  Bryan ;  sergeants,  T.  W.  Kenner,  J.  W.  McDonald, 
W.  Wood,  Ralph  Compton,  J.  W.  Saulmon,  W.  F. 
Turner ;  corporals,  J.  W.  Brown,  H.  McClure,  P.  Hor- 
ley,  T.  A.  Morris,  J.  Cothran ;  bugler,  J.  C.  Haley. 

Privates :  M.  A.  Alder,  W.  H.  Anderson,  S.  P.  Bur- 
chett,  I.  W.  Baker,  D.  H.  Brewer,  Thomas  Borum,  R. 
I.  Bell,  J.  T.  Ballance,  E.  Burnett,  T.  B.  Brown,  J.  H. 
Brockett,  L.  W.  Cherry,  J.  \V.  B.  Davis,  Zach  Davis, 
Arch  Davis,  Anderson  Davis,  T.  M.  D.  Earhart,  Horace 
Francis,  S.  L.  George,  I.  T.  Goodson,  L.  M.  Green, 
Jerome  E.  Goodner,  J.  Hale,  Eli  Herron,  Wilson  Her- 
ron,  J.  G.  Jennings,  Frank  Johnson,  Thomas  Ketchum, 
J.  K.  C.  Lance,  E.  H.  Linton,  John  Morris,  A.  J.  Mer- 
rill, A.  C.  Mayer,  S.  McDermot,  W.  Alelvin,  James 
Manus,  John  Oakley,  Thomas  Rogers,  M.  Rohelia,  G. 
M.  Robertson,  John  Robinson,  David  Redd,  James 
Sands,  Elgin  Sands,  W.  Singleton,  James  Strauther, 
G.  W.  Tuck,  James  Talley,  B.  C.  Vinson,  J.  Waggoner, 
J.  W.  Westfall,  Taylor  Warren,  N.  Winnett,  C.  T. 
Winnett,  James  Winnett,  John  Williams,  T.  A.  Wel- 
land,  M.  F.  Young,  J.  Nems,  Henderson  Smith, 
Thomas  Davis,  H.  L.  Newbury,  W.  W.  Barker,  Alex 
Davis,  T.  H.  Berry,  J.  T.  Thompson,  S.  B.  Whitlock, 
W.  G.  Davis,  A.  Ham,  T.  B.  Oakley,  James  Oakley,  J. 
P.  Paty,  Thomas  Reeves,  John  Simpson,  R.  Wadkins, 
Shelah  Waters,  Thomas  Waters,  John  Everett,  J.  M. 

191 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Hutsell,  R.  P.  Mayer,  E.  H.  Gowan,  J.  E.  Pendergrass, 
W.  H.  C.  Young,  B.  F.  Bowar,  J.  A.  Ellis.  Cass  Goad, 
M.  F.  Hale,  J.  L.  Laurance,  J.  M.  Shairts,  W.  L. 
Thompson,  H.  B.  Thomas,  F,  M.  Ensory,  P.  Giller,  A. 
J.  Hesson,  Joseph  Hester,  J.  C.  Yell,  P.  M.  Gascock, 
J.  M.  Groop. 

Killed:  J.  E.  Pendergrass,  Murfreesboro,  1863;  J. 
L.  Laurance,  in  Lookout  Valley.  Died:  W.  H,  C. 
Young,  in  prison  January  12,  1863;  B.  F.  Bowar,  May 
2z,  1863 ;  J.  A.  Ellis,  M.  V.  Hale,  J.  M.  Shairts,  No- 
vember 14,  1862;  W.  L.  Thompson,  December  29, 
1863  ;  Cyrus  Y.  Goad. 

Company  K,  officers:  Captain,  E.  W.  Bass;  lieu- 
tenants, W.  T.  Robinson,  John  B.  Turner,  J.  H.  Smith ; 
sergeants,  J.  L.  Rollins,  W.  R.  Lewis,  Marion  Cubbins, 
John  A.  Bass,  W.  H.  Trammel,  James  H.  Overall,  R, 
M.  Johnson;  corporals,  William  Davis,  Wells  Barrett, 
G.  B.  Pedigo,  T.  N.  Close,  Alex  Petty,  John  Tarpley, 
W.  R.  Caplinger;  bugler,  John  C.  Bennett. 

Privates :  J.  B.  Turney,  Harvey  Smith,  J.  L.  Robin- 
son, W.  R.  Lewis,  Marion  Cubbins,  John  A.  Bass,  W. 
H.  Trammel,  J.  H.  Overall,  R.  M.  Johnson,  William 
Davis,  J.  T.  Meares,  Wells  Barrett,  G.  B.  Pedigo,  T. 
N.  Close,  Alex  Petty,  John  Tarpley,  W.  R.  Caplinger, 
J.  C.  Bennett,  T.  D.  Oakley,  B.  J.  Holloman,  H.  Y. 
Yeargin,  Chris  E.  Adamson,  John  Adamson,  W.  T. 
Alexander,  H.  C.  Alexander,  Thomas  Alexander,  F. 
M.  Allen,  James  Brent,  Nathan  Blythe,  W.  C.  Ben- 
nett, John  Case,  J.  G.  Close,  John  Caplinger,  John 
Coley,  T.  J.  Davis,  James  Davis,  Elam  Edge,  Denton 

192 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Griffith,  George  Henley,  George  Hickman,  W.  L. 
Hail,  W.  H.  Hays,  Charles  Hill,  Reuben  Hail, 
Thomas  Hendrixson,  R.  Hinesly,  J.  H.  Hicks,  W.  P. 
Hawker,  J.  M.  Jones,  Wesley  Jennings,  W.  J.  Jones, 
James  A.  Jones,  W.  H.  Jones,  James  Lee,  J.  R. 
League,  J.  B.  Lemmons,  Blueford  Mathis,  Alex  Man- 
ners, J.  Mullican,  L.  H.  McGinnis,  G.  B.  Mahan,  W. 
H.  Pedigo,  T.  J.  Perkins,  James  Petty,  Joseph  Pistole, 
William  Patterson,  John  Parker,  Travis  Tarpley,  A. 
J.  Pugh,  Matlock  Roberts,  W,  A.  Sullivan,  Anthony 
Stanley,  Noali  Smith,  John  Taylor,  J.  P.  Tomlinson, 
William  Trusty,  R.  B.  Waller,  E.  B.  Watson,  J.  B. 
Wilson,  E.  W.  Bass,  Hinton  A.  Hill,  James  McMillin, 
J.  J.  Ross,  Wiley  Snow,  James  Williams,  A.  C.  Rogers, 
R.  H.  Ponder,  David  Grandstaff,  George  C.  Turney. 
W.  C.  Crossland,  N.  Alexander,  James  Baugh,  W.  H. 
Christian,  David  A.  Farmer,  James  Gibson,  James 
Hail,  Jonathan  Jones,  T.  J.  Pistole,  H.  C.  Richards, 
Alex  Stanley,  R.  Pendergrass,  Henry  Stayner,  Eman- 
uel Williams. 

Killed:  David  Grandstaff,  G.  C.  (Kit)  Turney, 
James  Baugh,  D.  A.  Farmer,  Joseph  Hail,  Jonathan 
Jones,  T.  J.  Pistole,  James  Fuston,  Alex  Stanley, 
Calf  Killer  battle,  February  22,  1864;  H.  C.  Richards, 
by  accident,  Carthage,  1864.  Died:  William  Cross- 
land,  of  wounds  at  Carthage,  1864;  W,  H.  Christian, 
of  wounds,  1864. 

13  193 


CHAPTER  XVII. 
Blackburn's  and  Garrison's  Federals. 

Lieut.  Col.  Joseph  H.  Blackburn's  Fourth  (Un- 
ion) Regiment  of  Mounted  Infantry,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  Company  B,  was  recruited  at  Liberty,  Car- 
thage, Alexandria,  Pulaski,  Livingston.  Shelbyville, 
and  Nashville  from  September  i,  1864,  to  April  22, 
1865,  to  serve  one  year.  Company  B  was  made  up  of 
Memphis  home  guards  and  was  mustered  out  of  serv- 
ice June  I,  1865;  the  other  companies  were  mustered 
out  August  25,  1865.  Colonel  Blackburn  was  ap- 
pointed lieutenant  colonel  November  26,  1864,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-two  years.  Thomas  Waters  was  ap- 
pointed major  February  7,  1865. 

Appointments  of  captains:  Norton  E.  Quinn,  Oc- 
tober 27,  1864;  William  L.  Hathaway,  October  29, 
1864;  Macadoo  Vannata,  December  11,  1864;  A.  C. 
Card,  January  10,  1865  ;  J.  P.  Patey,  February  2,  1865  ; 
John  Simpson,  March  11,  1865;  Rufus  Dowdy,  May 
5,  1865;  G.  W.  Gray,  June  14,  1865. 

Appointments  of  first  lieutenants  in  Blackburn's 
Regiment:  James  H.  Blackburn,  October  27,  1864; 
James  H.  (Pet)  White,  October  29,  1864;  William  J. 
Stokes,  adjutant  (son  of  Colonel  Stokes),  December 
8,  1864;  Marcellus  C.  Vick,  December  11,  1864;  W.  B. 
Overcast,  January  10,  1864;  H.  C.  Sanders,  February 
I,  1865;  S.  B.  Whitelock,  February  4,  1865;  J.  f. 
Thompson,  February  4,  1865 ;  H.  T.  Smallage,  Feb- 
ruary 28,  1865  ;  C.  W.  Aleeker,  June  28,  1865. 

194 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Second  lieutenants:  T.  G.  Bratten,  October  27,  1864; 
Elijah  Robinson,  October  29,  1864;  James  Williams, 
December  9,  1864;  R,  Wiley,  January  11,  1865 ;  James 
H.  Kitching,  February  2,  1865 ;  T.  H.  Berry,  February 
2,  1865;  W.  H.  Wilhite,  April  24,  1865;  C.  M.  Pitts, 
June  30,  1865 ;  A.  J.  Miller,  July  3,  1865. 

Those  who  died  among  the  officers  appointed  from 
time  to  time  were:  Capt.  George  Oakley,  July,  1865, 
of  disease;  First  Lieut.  James  Oakley,  February  4, 
1865,  of  wounds;  First  Lieut.  William  McDowell,  lost 
off  the  steamer  Sultana  April  27,  1865. 

Colonel  Blackburn  was  born  in  Wilson  County,  near 
Cottage  Home,  in  1842,  his  father  having  come  from 
North  Carolina.  He  married  Miss  Jennie  Barger,  of 
Liberty,  in  1861.  His  company  (A),  of  Stokes's  Regi- 
ment, elected  him  captain  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  As 
shown,  he  raised  a  regiment  after  resigning  from  the 
Fifth  Cavalry.  He  was  in  quite  a  number  of  battles 
and  skirmishes,  receiving  one  wound — probably  made 
by  Oscar  Woodworth,  a  Federal — while  a  battle  was  on 
with  Morgan's  men  at  Liberty.  After  the  war  he  was 
a  delegate  to  the  Constitutional  Convention  at  Nash- 
ville, but  refused  to  sign  the  schedule  because  of  the 
poll  tax  provision  as  a  qualification  for  voters.  He 
was  also  United  States  marshal  for  the  middle  district 
of  the  State.  Shortly  after  the  war  he,  with  others, 
created  a  sensation  in  Nashville  by  attacking  and 
wounding  Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler.  Colonel  Blackburn 
died  in  May,  1913. 

In  Goodspeed's  history  of  the  State  (biographical 
section)  this  statement  is  made:  "Colonel  Blackburn 

195 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

was  in  several  battles,  the  most  important  of  which 
were  Nashville,  Chattanooga,  Snow's  Hill,  and  Milton. 
.  .  .  He  also  cleared  of  guerrillas  White,  Putnam, 
DeKalb,  and  Jackson  Counties  by  capturing  Champe 
Ferguson,  after  which  even  Rebel  sympathizers  felt 
more  secure.  He  is  said  to  have  been  in  two  hundred 
and  seventeen  engagements,  in  all  of  which  he  was 
successful.  He  was  wounded  at  Liberty."  In  the 
same  history  it  is  stated  that  in  1864  R.  B.  Blackwell's 
guerrillas  made  a  raid  into  Shelbyville,  Tenn.  The 
depot  was  guarded  by  twelve  of  Blackburn's  troops, 
who  were  captured,  escorted  into  the  country,  and 
shot.  Were  these  members  of  Company  A?  Black- 
bum's  companies  were: 

Company  A,  officers :  Captain,  James  Wortham ; 
lieutenants,  C.  W.  Meeker,  G.  W.  Gray,  William  Mc- 
Dowell, William  Smith,  A.  J.  Miller;  sergeants,  J.  S. 
Ray,  W.  L.  Jackson,  J.  M.  Jarrell,  T.  V.  Jones ;  cor- 
porals, W.  G.  Reavis,  W.  W.  Harrian,  J.  Williams,  W 
C.  Dickens,  J.  A.  Holcomb,  J.  A.  Brooks,  C.  M.  Clark. 

Privates:  J.  F.  Ray,  W.  L.  Jackson,  J.  M.  Jarrell,  T 
V.  Jones,  A.  J.  Jarrell,  W.  G.  Reavis,  W.  W.  Harman 
I.  Williams,  W.  C.  Dickens,  J.  A.  Holcomb,  J.  A 
Brooks,  C.  M.  Clark,  Tom  Anderson,  W.  Blacker,  A 
J.  Cleck,  W.  J.  Clark,  J.  W.  Cunningham,  E.  G.  Davis 
G.  B.  Dawson,  Linsley  Evins,  R.  C.  Eaton,  T.  J 
Fisher,  J.  H.  Griffin,  W.  J.  Gordon,  J.  N.  Gibson,  J 
L.  Hill,  J.  T.  Harris,  G.  Ivy,  James  and  John  Jones 
T.  J.  Little,  W.  S.  Lacey,  E.  Lockhart,  G.  Little,  M.D. 
J.  H.  Moon,  J.  P.  Mankin,  J.  C.  McMinn,  L.  Moore 
J.  C.  Matthews,  I.  Norvill,  G.  Primrose,  R.  J.  Patton 

196 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

J.  A.  Rollins,  C.  S.  Richard,  S.  J.  Riner,  ^I.  Shoffner, 
J.  D.  Sanders,  James  C.  Turner,  R.  F.  and  W.  W. 
Tindell,  J.  H.  Webster,  W.  W.  Waide,  V.  H.  Wright, 
H.  P.  Watkins,  Joseph  A.  White,  P.  M.  Melton,  Berrv 
Bruton,  S.  J.  Cheek,  M.  C.  Davis,  J.  Hashaw,  John 
Hyde,  H.  J.  Johnson,  George  Ross,  W.  J.  Shaw,  H.  F. 
Sutton,  W.  McMurry,  J.  j\I.  Bearden,  R.  Brown,  R. 
M.  Dromgoole,  A.  R.  Hashaw,  P.  M.  Odum,  J.  B. 
Summers,  H.  V.  Stahum,  A.  D.  Hopkins,  Robert  F. 
Smith,  J.  W.  Tredinger,  John  Williams,  N.  S.  Brown- 
sheres,  W.  Davis,  W.  H.  Johnson,  J.  W.  Smith,  A.  J. 
J.  Horton. 

Killed:  P.  ^I.  Melton,  Berry  Bruton,  S.  J.  Cheek, 
M.  C.  Davis,  James  Hashaw,  John  Hyde,  H.  J.  John- 
son, George  Ross,  W.  J.  Shaw,  all  at  Wells  Hill  Sep- 
tember 28,  1864.  Died:  William  McMurry,  IMay  21, 
1866;  ]\I.  Bearden,  April  7,  1865;  R.  Baugh,  January 
10,  1865 ;  R.  M.  Dromgoole,  lost  on  the  steamer  Sul- 
tana. 


Company  B,  officers:  First  sergeant,  J.  M.  Whitten ; 
second  sergeant,  W.  T.  Hopper;  corporals.  E.  J.  Spen- 
cer, L.  W.  Dawson,  B.  F.  Parlon. 

Privates:  J.  Austin,  G.  W.  Anglin,  M.  M.  Brison, 
J.  Black,  John  Burks,  J.  M,  Chapman,  J.  R.  Chapman, 
W.  Cheek,  H.  J.  Crow,  W.  A.  Cooper,  H.  T.  Forbes, 
H.  Gorman,  R.  Holliday,  W.  H.  Harland,  R.  Howard, 
M.  L.  Inge,  A.  F.  Ingle,  T.  Johnson,  James  Keyton, 
J.  Louden,  J.  H.  ^Moore,  T.  Martingale,  C.  Newland, 
J.  Prime,  R.  J.  Rankin,  W.  W.  Robinson,  H.  Riner,  J. 
A.  Robinson,  J.  K.  Stone,  M.  Spencer,  J.  Shelton,  D. 

197 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


D.  Sanders,  A.  Tibbets,  P.  Trease,  M.  A.  Thompson, 
W.  W.  Whitby,  W.  M.  Whitehorn,  J.  Weaver,  N.  A. 
Whitehorn,  M.  P.  Henry,  D.  S.  Ingle,  J.  W.  White- 
horn,  J.  A.  Griffin,  J.  Golden,  I.  Trotter,  John  Pierce. 

Died:  J.  A.  Griffin,  April  15,  1865;  J.  Golden,  1865; 
I.  Trotter,  May  18,  1865. 


Company  C,  officers:  Captain,  A.  C.  Card;  lieu- 
tenants, W,  B.  Overcast,  R.  Wiley;  sergeants,  E.  D. 
Jones,  J.  E.  Austin,  W.  N.  Austin,  James  Greer,  L.  T, 
Larue;  corporals,  M.  D.  Smith,  W.  H.  Stephenson,  J. 
B.  Cherry,  J.  S.  Reese,  Thomas  Gore,  J.  S.  Gibson,  W. 
S.  Cavett,  John  Armstrong,  G.  B.  Baker. 

Privates:  W.  H.  Stephenson,  J.  B.  Cherry,  J.  S. 
Reese,  T.  G.  Gee,  J.  E.  Gibson,  W.  S.  Cavett,  John 
Armstrong,  G.  B.  Baker,  W.  Baldwin,  H.  Bledsoe,  J. 
Barron,  L.  F.  Cain,  H.  Clark,  G.  W.  Clark,  W.  H. 
Clark,  W.  J.  Cochran,  Peter  Cochran,  J.  E.  Cooper, 
A.  Crane,  N.  B.  Daniel,  E.  P.  Estes,  L.  C.  C.  Estes,  P. 
T.  Fisher,  J.  L.  Foster,  J.  E.  Fox,  J.  Freeman,  F.  E. 
Glasscock,  G.  Glasscock,  T.  H.  Grey,  J.  Hall,  J.  P. 
Hoskins,  W.  D.  Hill,  T.  Johnson,  W.  Johnson,  W.  H. 
Kiser,  J.  O.  Cumpie,  A.  Lamb,  T.  H.  Lamb,  G.  W. 
Lock,  David  Lynch,  W.  G.  Lynch,  W.  Malone,  J.  W. 
Mallard,  H.  E.  McGowan,  W.  Melton,  J.  Moore,  J.  H. 
Neely,  J.  M.  Orr,  C.  Overcast,  A.  Ferryman,  W.  R. 
Posey,  J.  J.  Reeves,  G.  W.  Reece,  J.  W.  Reed,  S.  A 
Rundle,  A.  Shaw,  Joab  Slawtre,  Hiram.  J.  A.,  and  J. 
G.  Smith,  J.  L.  Stallings,  J.  Stone,  C.  Tarwater,  J.  H. 
Tucker,  N.  Walker,  S.  Williams,  J.  T.  Glasscock.  T.  J. 
Hopper,  I.  D.  Smith,  Henry  Thomas,  Robert  Wiley, 

198 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

T.  F.  Logsten,  W.  W.  Waide,  J.  M.  Austin,  H. 
Holmes,  Jonathan  Johnson,  H.  L.  McConnell,  C. 
Mitchell,  H.  C.  Moore,  J.  W.  Prince,  E.  Seatons,  W. 
H.  Wright. 

Died:  J.  T.  Glasscock,  January  lo,  1865;  T.  J.  Hop- 
per, February  5,  1865 ;  I.  D.  Smith,  Andersonville 
Prison,  March  10,  1865 ;  Henry  Thomas,  of  gunshot 
wounds  in  Bedford  County. 


Company  D,  officers :  Captain,  Norton  E.  Quinn ; 
lieutenants,  J.  Henry  Blackburn,  T.  G.  Bratten;  ser- 
geants, W.  W.  Colwell,  J.  B.  Taylor,  D.  L.  Floyd,  J. 
W.  Atwood,  N.  Hodges ;  corporals,  J.  A.  Colwell,  Wil- 
liam Batts,  John  W.  Vandergrift,  W.  Lawson,  N.  E. 
Brandy,  J.  McAlexander,  William  Coffee,  H.  C.  Jen- 
kins, 

Privates :  P.  Atkins,  G.  B.  Anderson,  J.  A.  Barnes, 
W.  A.  Barren,  W.  Bain,  W.  T.  Blackburn,  M.  Brad- 
ley, A.  J.  Bennett,  J.  J.  Bennett,  W.  Bullard,  A.  Certui, 
L.  D.  Colwell,  Andrew  Chumley,  J.  C.  Clemmons,  T. 
Davis,  D.  H.  Davis,  W.  H.  Fann,  Joe  B.  Gilbert,  C.  W. 
Hollandsworth,  J.  D.  Hall,  T.  J.  Hays,  Lawson  Hall, 
T.  J.  Hale,  John  Herriman,  Stephen  Herriman,  Sam 
P.  Herriman,  J.  C.  Hiddon,  J.  L.  Jenkins,  J.  B.  Kyle, 
J.  Kenton,  M.  J.  Luck,  Jesse  Lafever,  C.  Lawson,  A. 
H.  Leack,  Bunk  Malone,  S.  B.  Morris,  C.  Mosby,  T. 
Davis,  W.  Phillips,  H.  P.  Pass,  A.  Ready,  J.  W.  Rey- 
nolds, J.  O.  Rich,  John  Robertson,  G.  Stevens,  J.  E. 
Tedder,  A.  H.  Thomason,  J.  Tuggle,  H.  M.  Tuggle, 
P.  N.  Turner,  George  Turner,  Henry  Vandergriff. 
John    Vandergriff,    William    Vandergriff,    W.     and 

199 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Thomas  Veri,  Sam  Vannata,  G.  A.  Vansell,  O.  D. 
Williams,  M.  Wilson,  T.  L.  Ray,  J.  F.  Yeargin,  O.  D. 
Goodson,  G.  M.  Jennings,  W.  A.  Morgan,  W.  Benson, 
Irving  Driver,  W.  L.  Hathaway,  T.  Brennan,  Thomas 
Hays,  John  Hollandsworth,  C.  Peterson,  A.  Smith - 
land. 

Killed:  O.  D.  Goodson,  Cannon  County,  March  15, 
1865,  probably  by  guerrillas ;  J.  M.  Jennings,  same ; 
W.  A.  Morgan,  battle  of  Nashville,  December  17, 
1864.  Died :  W.  Benson,  May  10,  1865 ;  Irving  Driver, 
May  10,  1865. 

Company  E,  officers:  Captain,  Macadoo  Vannata; 
first  lieutenant,  M.  C.  Vick;  second  lieutenant,  James 
Williams ;  first  sergeant,  Bove  Oakley ;  second  ser- 
geant, W.  J.  Crook;  third  sergeant,  J.  M.  Johnson; 
fourth  sergeant,  George  Turner ;  fifth  sergeant,  G.  W. 
Martin ;  corporals,  C.  Booker,  A.  C.  Cox,  Virgil  Ray, 
J.  Ricketts,  H.  McCork,  A.  Blythe,  C.  Manners,  F.  A. 
Right;  bugler,  Len  R.  Scott;  smith,  G.  W.  Lanier. 

Privates :  J.  N.  Alexander,  H,  C.  Bennett,  J.  Y.  Ben- 
nett, T.  Beadle,  J.  Crook,  Tilman  Crook,  S.  M.  Chris- 
tian, Leonard  Cantrell,  J.  Capshaw,  William  Conley, 
F.  Culwell,  J.  W.  Carroll,  W.  F.  Craven,  Berry  Driver, 
H.  H.  Eskin,  H.  M.  Fite,  S.  L.  Gay,  Leman  Hale,  J. 
Hickman,  J.  C.  Huchens,  Thomas  Hass,  T.  Harris,  J. 
Harden,  A.  Harris,  W.  R.  Hill,  J.  Hill,  J.  Hodges, 
Francis  Hollandsworth,  S.  Hughes,  B.  Hill,  W.  Jen- 
kins, T.  P.  James,  James  Keaton,  William  King,  J.  L. 
Kenard,  J.  Lawson,  A.  Lack,  J.  Manners,  J.  Maxfield, 
W.  F.  Metcalf,  H.  W.  McGuire,  Dous,  John,  James, 

200 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


and  Joseph  Oakley,  A.  Pack,  Barn  Page,  W.  R.  Parris, 
S.  H.  Patterson,  P.  Roberts,  J.  H.  Rany,  J.  F.  Scott, 
R.  Stewart,  J.  P.  Smith,  Manson  Scott,  Isaac  Turner, 
J.  Thomas,  John  M.  Trammel,  T.  W.  Trammel, 
Thomas  W.  Turner,  William  I.  Turner,  Barney  Tay- 
lor, T.  I.  Vance,  E.  Williams,  B.  G.  Warren,  Leonard 
F.  Woodside,  E.  C.  Walker,  W.  J.  Stokes,  D.  F.  Floyd, 
Dallas  Adkins. 

Company  F,  officers:  Captain,  William  L.  Hatha- 
way; first  lieutenant,  James  H.  White;  second  lieu- 
tenant, Elijah  Robinson ;  first  sergeant,  Ben  Hall ;  sec- 
ond sergeant,  Tom  Curtis;  third  sergeant,  James 
Robinson;  fourth  sergeant,  Seaborn  Page;  fifth  ser- 
geant, W.  B.  Corley;  corporals,  John  Hendrixon, 
Jesse  Farler,  Ike  Gibbs,  Daniel  Hale,  W.  M.  Moore, 
S.  M.  Pirtle,  William  Adamson,  W.  M.  Short. 

Privates:  L.  J.  Allison,  Joe  M.  Banks,  Thomas 
Biford,  J.  R.  Cantrell,  J.  B.  Carter,  Asa  Driver,  J.  M. 
Dunlap,  Sim  Estes,  Isom  Etheridge,  Eli  Evans,  E.  D. 
Fish,  William  Fitts,  James  Ford,  Erastus  D.  Foster, 
Jonathan  R.  Fuson,  James  H.  Fuson,  J.  M.  Gilbert, 
Len  Hathaway,  J.  B.  Hardinlay,  Smith  Hendrixon, 
James  R.  Hicks,  R.  Hill,  E.  D.  Hutchens,  H.  and  I.  C. 
Johnson,  Tilman  Joins,  John  Lasiter,  Thomas  Lead- 
better,  L.  B.  Linsey,  J.  Linsey,  Giles,  R.  E.,  and  W.  J. 
Martin,  J.  J.  Maxwell,  V.  Mclntire,  S.  Neal,  J.  M., 
A.,  John,  and  Jacob  Pack,  Allen  Page,  Erwin  Page, 
Wash  Parsley,  J.  A.  Parsley,  J.  F.  Petit,  J.  E.,  Levi 
D.,  and  C.  H.  Robinson,  Ike  Shehane,  W.  Snyder,  E. 
Snow,  John  Smithson,  E.,  J.  T.,  Chesley,  Bailey,  and 

201 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Henry  Taylor,  W.  Thomas,  Joseph  Turner,  R.  Wood- 
ward, G.  B.  Woodward,  J.  M.  Pack,  A.  L.  Cummings, 
J.  B.  Edney,  F.  P.  Kephart. 

Died:  G.  B.  Woodward,  J.  M.  Pack,  April  8,  1865; 
A.  L.  Cummings,  April  8,  1865. 


Company  G,  officers :  Captain,  James  P.  Patey ;  first 
lieutenant,  S.  B.  Whitlock ;  second  lieutenant,  James 

A.  Kitchings ;  first  sergeant,  G.  E.  Coatney ;  second 
sergeant,  H.  C.  Barr}';  third  sergeant,  J.  M.  Enoch; 
fourth  sergeant,  A.  Gwaltney;  fifth  sergeant,  J.  B. 
Barber ;  corporals,  T.  H.  Campbell,  W.  T.  Allen,  F.  C. 
Allen,  I.  Manning. 

Privates :  Henry  H.  Jones,  D.  B.  Gwaltney,  W 
Beasly,  J.  T.  Highers,  Jere  Agee,  J.  D.  Agee,  W.  B 
Agee,  F.  Adcock,  Benjamin  Allen,  G.  K.  Baker,  A.  J 
Baker,  Turner  Barrett,  N.  B.  Boulton,  J.  Bray,  P.  J 
Baker,  Ben  Bradley,  F.  E.  Buckner,  L.  Chandler,  G 
P.  Campbell,  A.  H.  Cowen,  W.  H.  Corley,  M.  F.  Coat- 
ney, Wamon  Capshaw,  William  Cheek,  Thomas  Clark, 
Sam  Denny,  D.  R.  Enoch,  T.  F.  Estes,  W.  Fuller,  J. 

B.  Farmer,  J.  Frederick,  A.  B.  Fuller,  A.  Girins,  John 
Gregory,  C.  G.  Caskey,  R.  F.  Hale,  A.  D.  Helmantaler, 
W.  D.  Hudson,  T.  H.  Hughes,  J.  Hunt,  J.  A.  Hunt, 
Simeon  Highers,  B.  A.  James,  G.  D.  King,  B.  F.  Kid- 
well,  E.  H.  Liggin,  W.  J.  Lance,  J.  W.  Merritt,  D.  A. 
Macon,  Burrel  Manning,  T.  B.  Mathis,  S.  B.  McDowel, 
S.  W.  Macon,  William  Moss,  A.  C,  J.,  J.  N.,  and  T. 
Nolan,  John  Ogle,  J.  G.  Parton,  James  Preston,  Moses 
Preston,  James  Pritchett,  John  Prentice,  W.  T.  Stal- 

202 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ings,  J.  B.  Smart,  B.  R,  J.  M.,  and  W.  J.  Thomas,  J. 
M.  Watts,  Dock  Wilkerson,  J.  N.  Webb,  G.  Williams, 
Sam  Winfrey,  G.  B.  Boultcn. 


Company  H,  officers :  First  lieutenant,  J.  T.  Thomp- 
son; second  lieutenant,  T.  H.  Berry;  sergeants,  T.  D. 
Sutney,  James  Weaver,  J.  R.  Word,  T.  H.  Lanham, 
J.  W.  Fisher;  corporals,  Paris  Campbell,  J.  Campbell, 
D.  S.  Holt,  W.  N.  Ricks,  D.  T.  Thomison,  W.  S. 
Stuart,  E.  A.  Barbee,  W.  A.  Jacobs. 

Privates:  T.  M.  Allen,  S.  H.  Alexander,  A.  H.  Ash- 
worth,  W.  E.  Bond,  J.  W.  Berry,  T.  J.,  J.  F.,  and  James 

F.  Bell,  W.  Ball,  G.  and  W.  L.  Biss,  J.  Berry,  J.  Bond, 

B.  Craig,  J.   R.   Cummings,   J.   H.   Cunningham,   B. 
Climer,  Jim  W.  Carney,  A.  N.  Cummings,  J.  A.  Cun- 
ningham, J.  C.  Edwards,  Ben  Elkins,  L.  A.  Farmer, 
J.  Griffin,  W.  H.  Gill,  C.  B.  Griffin,  J.  Harrison,  J.  W. 
Herron,  J.  P.  Henderson,  L.  F.  Holland,  J.  W.  James, 
William  Kelly,  H.  B.  Gurnan,  J.  M.  Gurnan,  H.  A. 
Midgit,  Presley  Merritt,  R.  M.  Porterfield,  S.  T.  Por- 
terfield,  G.  W.  Patterson,  W.  L.  Singleton,  William 
Springs,  G.  Springs,  E.  Shadwick,  S.  Spears,  Z.  F 
Spears,  M,  H.  Thompson,  J.  R.  Thompson,  J.  L.,  J 
M.,  and  A.  Tanner,  Thomas  Tuggle,  R.  F.  Thomas 
W.   Thompson,   E.   P.   Tracy,   I.   N.  Vaught,   W.   J 
Vaught,  M.  A.  Wallace,  R.  H.  Walker,  M.  Wintherly 

G.  W.,  A.  P.,  Ben,  and  William  Williams,  C.  C.  Wood 

C.  H.  Young,  William  Younger,  George  Oakley,  James 
Oakley,  James  Yates. 

Died:  James  Oakley,  of  wounds,  February  4.  1865. 

203 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Company  I,  officers;  Captain,  John  Simpson;  first 
lieutenant,  H.  C.  Sanders;  second  lieutenant,  C.  W. 
Meeker  (later  C.  M.  Pitts)  ;  first  sergeant,  G.  W. 
Dimean;  second  sergeant,  J.  W.  Fleman;  third  ser- 
geant, C.  A,  Bailiff ;  fourth  sergeant,  T.  J.  Wilburn ; 
fifth  sergeant,  Joel  Dodson ;  corporals,  T.  W.  Johnson, 
J.  T.  White,  J.  M.  Haney,  J.  F.  S.  Hardaway,  W.  P. 
Conner,  J.  F.  Rombo,  J.  C.  Chambers,  J.  Walker. 

Privates :  R,  M.  Adams,  W.  S.  Ashen,  James  Allen, 
A.  G.  Barnes,  N.  F.  Bishop,  J.  M.  Bankston,  Bird  L. 
Bates,  F.  M.  Barnett,  D.  O.  Brown,  F.  M.  Cassell,  S. 
D.  Eddie,  D.  C.  Fleeman,  D.  G.  Greer,  C.  G.  Head,  J. 
Head,  J.  Heath,  W.  W.  Heath,  M.  Hart,  R.  Harring- 
ton, S.  House,  C.  Jones,  N,  F.  Jones,  C.  Jordan,  O. 
Jordon,  Thomas  Keath,  John  Kirby,  F.  M.  Keath,  J. 
D.  Lossen,  James  Laurence,  Miles  Leary,  T.  J.  Lewis, 
R.  J.  Maxwell,  A.  Medley,  L.  McGinnis,  Alfred  Mor- 
ris, Thomas  Malone,  T.  M.  McCormack,  J.  A.  Manley, 
J.  F.  and  G.  W.  Majors,  W.  P.  Maxwell,  J.  Mitchell, 
Isham  A.  Morris,  S.  McCroy,  H.  Nolly,  J.  Penny,  A. 
L.  Ferryman,  D.  E.  Ferryman,  W.  Pearce,  J,  Reaves, 

D.  R.  Roberts,  T.  J.  Riggs,  T.  L.  Richardson,  A.  Riley, 
Ben  Scaggs,  J.  H.  Sandusky,  W.  F.  Sandusky,  J,  J. 
Spray,  P.  Seay,  T.  Smith,  L.  D.  Smith,  J.  G.  Smith- 
son,  J.  T.  Tanner,  R.  A.  Thatch,  J.  R.  Tubb,  W.  L. 
Todd,  J.  Wiley,  J.  Watson,  L.  D.,  W.  H.,  and  R.  P. 
Williams,  J.  W.  Todd,  J.  Tolman,  John  C.  Conner,  T. 
J.  Hart,  W.  H.  McClaffity,  F.  Spurlock,  T.  J.  Welch, 
J.  W.  Armstrong,  S.  M.  Baker,  Eli  Barnett,  J.  Baker, 
J.  H.  Crane,  A.  Gibbs,  W.  H.  Gillan,  W.  J.  Hollis,  J. 

E.  Sweeler,  G.  W.  Smith,  J.  W.  Worley. 

204 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


Died :  John  C.  Conner,  January  26,  1865  ;  T.  J.  Hart, 
January  16,  1865;  W.  H.  McClaffity,  February  16, 
1865;  F.  Spurlock,  February  8,  1865;  T.  J.  Welch, 
February  8,  1865. 

Company  K,  officers:  Captain,  Rufus  Dowdy;  first 
lieutenant,  H.  T.  Smallage ;  second  lieutenant,  W.  H, 
Wilhite ;  first  sergeant,  John  Parker ;  second  sergeant, 
James  Wilhite;  third  sergeant,  E.  M.  Long;  fourth 
sergeant,  J.  F.  Deck;  fifth  sergeant,  F.  Coatney;  cor- 
porals, J.  A.  Hill,  J.  F.  Mulligan,  J.  F.  Koger,  William 
Frederick,  J.  Cooper,  D.  Godsey,  J.  Stover,  J.  R. 
Grimes. 

Privates:  H.  Armis,  John,  W.,  and  Van  Allen,  J. 
M.  Boyle,  L.  P.  Baker,  M.  M.  Bryan,  B.  H.  Bracher, 

E.  Bird,  J.  Bohanan,  J.  H.  Briant,  W.  T.  Curnley,  John 
Courlington,  E.  Cash,  H.  Clark,  D.  C.  Clark,  Green 
P.  Cantrell,  H.  I.  Cooper,  W.  H.  Capshaw,  J.  Cargill, 
H.  L.  Dox,  William  Duese,  J.  Dickson,  C.  C.  Fowler, 

F.  M.  Ferguson,  William  Flowers,  G.  Goodman,  Wil- 
liam Green,  J.  Godsey,  W.  B.  Hill,  R.  Highers,  G.  W. 
Hendrixson,  D.  H.  Hall,  W.  B.  Hoyder,  J.  N.  Johnson, 
R.  M.  Johnson,  E.  Jackson,  L.  Jackson,  W.  E.  Jones, 
W.  S.  Kirby,  L.  Liles,  J.  F.  Martin,  Thomas  Mason, 
J.  H.  Moore,  John  Maries,  James  Maires,  R.  L.  New- 
man, J.  Prater,  G.  W.  Plumlee,  A.  Parker,  R.  Poe,  J. 
S.  Prater,  G.  W.  Roberts,  Jeff  Reynolds,  J.  S.,  F.,  and 
A.  Sliger,  Asbury  Scott,  W.  J.  Smith,  G.  Stephens,  S. 
Settle,  R.  Savage,  J.  R.  Sisson,  D.  M.  Southerland, 
William  H.  Southerland,  A.  J.  Sells,  J.  H.  Smith,  J. 
A.  Stone,  G.  A.  Finch,  A.  J.  Tucker,  J.  Whitaker,  A. 

205 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

J.  Williams,  Marshall  Walker,  W.  B.  Davis,  J.  P.  Hill, 
W.  L.  Hunter,  T.  jMcNair,  J.  E.  Pritchard,  W.  A. 
Pritchard. 


A.  J.  Garrison  made  up  a  company  (G)  which  be- 
came a  part  of  the  First  Federal  Regiment  of  Mounted 
Infantry,  Col.  A.  E.  Garrett.  The  regiment  served 
mainly  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Middle  Tennessee, 
having  frequent  encounters  with  guerrillas.  Captain 
Garrison  was  born  in  DeKalb  County  of  a  pioneer 
family.  He  probably  died  in  Arkansas,  to  which  State 
he  removed  after  the  war. 

Company  G,  officers :  Captain,  Andrew  J.  Garrison ; 
lieutenants,  L.  N.  Woodside,  appointed  March  21, 
1864;  Elijah  Bratten,  appointed  December  5,  1864. 

Privates :  Stephen  Barnes,  C.  A.  Coe,  John  Conley, 
H.  M.  Crook,  M.  Harris,  Amos  Gilly,  John  Hill,  Joe 
Herryman  (i),  Joe  Herryman  (2),  B.  Herrington,  A. 
J.  Hullet,  William  Jones,  B.  F.  Jones,  W.  W.  Jackson, 
Morris  Marcum,  G.  W.  Norton,  I.  N.  Fite,  James 
Waford,  Francis  Hall,  Jo  and  John  Parkerson,  John 
Merritt,  Mickeral  Manners,  John  Rodgers,  John  Rey- 
nolds, R.  Sullens,  J.  A.  Taylor,  M.  A.  Thomason,  H. 
Vanover,  S.  O.  Williams,  Lem  Barger,  John  Martin, 
William  Scott,  Newton  Brown,  Brax  Malone,  Thomas 
Bates,  James  Allen,  W.  B.  Bates,  N.  Bradley,  J.  H. 
Bradley,  G.  Chatham,  R.  S.  Dale,  John  G.  Dale,  O.  P, 
Durham,  W.  B.  Farmer,  H.  L.  Farmer,  J.  H.  Fite, 
Jason  Foutch,  W.  J.  Foutch,  Josiah  Hicks,  John  W. 
Hass,  Joe  Hullet,  H.  C.  Hardcastle,  Ainberson  Corley, 

206 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

John  Jones,  W.  W.  Jackson,  J.  B.  Lewis,  J.  B.  IMalone, 
Daniel  Mathis,  Jo  Neal,  Levi  Neal,  William  Pogue, 
Lem  Parker,  Oliver  Patterson,  Shadrack  Robertson, 
William  Reasonover,  William  Sewell,  J.  Scudder, 
George  Thomason,  James  Woodside,  Henry  Wooden, 
O.  Parkerson,  Memphis  Goodson,  W.  Midigett,  W.  H. 
Adams. 

Died :  W.  H.  Adams,  Ainberson  Corley,  Memphis 
Goodson.  and  W.  Midigett,  1864:  Oliver  Patterson, 
1865. 

207 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Progress  of  the  Big  War. 

In  Gen.  M.  J.  Wright's  volume,  "Tennessee  in  the 
War,"  are  listed  the  following  fights  which  took  place 
on  DeKalb  County  soil  from  1861  to  the  close  of  the 
War  between  the  States : 

Alexandria,  February  3-5,  1863;  Smithville,  June 
4,  5,  1863;  Snow's  Hill,  April  2,  6,  June  4,  1863; 
Liberty,  January  21,  22,  February  3-5,  17-20,  March 
19,  April  1-8,  May  12,  16,  June  4,  1863;  Salem,  March 
21,  May  20,  1863;  Salem  Pike,  June  12,  1863.* 

Some  of  these  skirmishes  were  long-drawn-out,  and 
of  course  they  do  not  include  occasional  uncontested 
entrances  of  one  side  or  the  other  into  the  county,  such 
as  the  passing  of  Wheeler's  Cavalry  in  1864. 

It  is  seen  in  the  list  that  almost  every  section  of  De- 
Kalb had  some  knowledge  of  war's  alarms.  Stokes's, 
Blackburn's,  or  Garrison's  men  frequently  camped  on 
their  old  Liberty  stamping  grounds.  At  this  place 
there  was  for  a  while  a  negro  company,  maybe  more, 
the  headquarters  being  the  Methodist  church.  The 
DeKalb  County  Federals  built  the  stockade  on  the  hill 
just  west  of  Liberty,  and  while  at  Alexandria  they 
occupied  the  fair  grounds.  Occasionally  they  were  at 
Smithville,  but  only  for  short  periods.     Troops  under 

*The  number  of  battles  and  skirmishes  in  the  entire  State 
is  given  in  Volume  XII.  of  the  "Confederate  Military  Histo- 
ry," and  each  is  pointed  out  by  date  and  location.  The  num- 
ber was  seven  hundred  and  seventy-four. 

208 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Gen.  J.  T.  Wilder  or  one  or  more  of  his  colonels  and 
other  Federal  officers  made  frequent  forays  from  Mur- 
freesboro  and  Nashville  via  Auburn  and  Alexandria. 

While  the  writer  was  on  the  editorial  staff  of  the 
Knoxville  Evening  Sentinel  in  1898  General  Wilder 
made  occasional  visits  to  the  office,  and  when  compil- 
ing the  "History  of  Tennessee  and  Tennesseeans"  in 
191 3  he  requested  the  General  to  write  of  his  experi- 
ences in  Middle  Tennessee.  This  was  graciously 
agreed  to,  but  later  the  General  found  it  impossible 
to  comply.  However,  there  is  an  interesting  biography 
of  him  in  the  history  mentioned.  He  had  the  Liberty 
steam  mill*  burned  and  also  William  Vick's  vacant 
storehouse.  The  latter  was  destroyed  because  the  Con- 
federates had  wheat  stored  in  it.  In  the  biography  it 
is  said:  "He  [Wilder]  took  a  specially  active  part  in 
the  operations  through  Central  Tennessee.  At  one 
time  Rosecrans  had  ordered  him  to  burn  all  the  mills 
in  this  region  of  the  State;  but  instead  of  destroying 
them  he  broke  the  principal  gear,  so  that  they  could 
not  be  operated.  When  he  reported  to  Rosecrans  what 
he  had  done,  the  general  told  him  he  had  disobeyed 
orders,  but  would  excuse  him  that  time." 

From  the  occupation  of  the  county  by  Gen.  John  H. 
Morgan's  forces  date  the  series  of  skirmishes  which 
took  place  therein.  In  the  history  of  Morgan's  Cav- 
alry Gen.  B.  W.  Duke  declares  that  the  object  was  to 
defend   Bragg's  right  wing  after  the  latter  had  re- 

*After  the  destruction  of  the  mill  the  citizens  had  to  depend 
upon  Crips's  Mill,  on  Dry  Creek,  and  that  of  William  Bate,  on 
Helton  Creek. 

14  209 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

treated  following  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro,  Decem- 
ber 3,  1862,  to  January  i,  1863.  This  wing  extended 
from  Woodbury,  Tenn.,  into  Wayne  County,  Ky.,  a 
distance  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles.  Liberty 
being  the  most  important  point  on  the  line,  strategi- 
cally considered,  the  main  force  was  established  there. 
Duke  says  also  that  they  kept  within  safety  of  Snow's 
Hill;  but  he  finally  decided  that  this  place  of  retreat, 
when  the  command  was  closely  pursued,  was  not  as 
safe  as  it  had  been  regarded. 

Morgan's  command  reached  Smithville  January  4, 
1863.  It  remained  there  and  at  Sligo  ten  days.  Then 
it  marched  to  McMinnville,  where  the  commander 
made  his  headquarters.  On  January  23  Col.  John  C. 
Breckinridge  was  ordered  to  move  to  Liberty  with 
three  regiments — the  Third  Kentucky,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Hutchinson ;  the  Ninth  Kentucky,  Lieutenan: 
Colonel  Stoner ;  and  the  Ninth  Tennessee,  Colonel 
Ward.  Col.  A.  R.  Johnson  was  already  in  the  vicinity 
of  Liberty  with  the  Tenth  Kentucky. 

Capt.  Thomas  Quirk  was  sent  ahead  of  the  three 
regiments.  He  was  an  Irishman  commanding  sixty 
scouts.  Before  he  could  be  supported,  he  was  driven 
from  the  village  by  Federals,  however.  This  must 
have  been  about  January  21  or  22. 

When  Colonel  Breckinridge  arrived  he  occupied  the 
country  immediately  in  front  of  Liberty,  picketing  all 
the  roads.  Shortly  afterwards  Colonel  Stoner,  with 
several  companies,  was  ordered  to  Kentucky,  leaving 
the  Confederate  force  about  one  thousand  effective 
men.     There  was  a  similar  force  in  the  neighborhood 

210 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

of  McMinnville  and  Woodbury.  During  January,  Feb- 
ruary, and  March  the  Confederates  were  kept  con- 
stantly scouting  and  making  expeditions.  Fights  were 
of  almost  daily  occurrence  somewhere  near  the  line 
they  were  defending.  "Perhaps  no  period  in  the  his- 
tory of  Morgan's  Cavalry  can  be  cited  in  which  more 
exciting  service  was  performed,"  avers  General  Duke. 

General  Stokes's  troops,  or  a  portion  of  them,  were 
frequently  with  General  Wilder's  in  making  these 
forays  into  the  county.  The  Stokes  home  was  three 
miles  down  Smith  Fork  Creek,  north  of  Liberty,  and 
the  Confederates  had  a  great  desire  to  capture  its 
owner.  One  of  the  Kentucky  soldiers,  writing  to  the 
Confederate  Veteran  for  September,  1898,  says: 
'  .Liberty  is  a  village  situated  at  the  base  of  Snow's  Hill, 
fifty  miles  due  east  from  Nashville.  Rome  would 
have  been  a  better  name  for  the  town,  as  it  seemed  that 
all  the  pikes  and  dirt  roads  in  Tennessee  led  to  Liberty. 
.  .  .  Somewhere  on  the  road  between  Liberty  and 
Cumberland  [Caney  Fork]  River  there  lived  at  that 
time  a  Col.  Bill  Stokes,  an  officer  of  some  note,  of 
whom  we  heard  a  good  deal  in  time  of  the  war.  It  was 
Colonel  Ward's  ambition,  as  well  as  that  of  his  men, 
who  were  Tennesseeans,  to  capture  Colonel  Stokes, 
and  they  made  diligent  search  for  him  and  at  the  same 
time  guarded  his  house  closely  with  the  expectation  of 
finding  Colonel  Stokes  at  home." 

While  Lieut.  G.  C.  Ridley  was  with  Morgan's  force 
at  Liberty  in  1863  he  received  an  order  to  select  ten 
picked  men  to  go  by  way  of  Alexandria,  Lebanon,  and 
Goodlettsville  and  send  a  messenger  on  the  quiet  to 

211 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Nashville  to  ascertain  the  location  of  the  Federals  and 
their  approaches.  Near  Payne's  Ferry,  on  the  Cum- 
berland River,  they  found  a  young  lady  willing"  to  make 
the  secret  trip  into  Nashville.  In  twelve  hours  siie 
was  back  with  a  complete  diagram.  Receiving  it.  Lieu- 
tenant Ridley  started  back  posthaste,  but  soon  learned 
that  General  Wilder  with  a  large  force  had  marched 
from  Murfreesboro  by  way  of  Lebanon  and  Alexan- 
dria to  attack  Liberty.  Ridley  changed  his  course  for 
Columbia,  going  by  Peytonville,  Williamson  County. 
Near  the  latter  place  he  was  chased  by  Cross'  South- 
ern guerrillas,  who  thought  he  was  a  Federal.  Lieu- 
tenant Ridley  and  squad  finally  reached  General  For- 
rest at  Columbia. 

Speaking  of  General  Wilder,  he  was  once  assisted 
into  DeKalb  County  by  a  Union  girl.  She  was  Miss 
Mary,  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Bowen,  of  Gordonsville. 
He  had  started  out  from  Nashville  with  seven  scouts. 
These  scouts  were  captured  by  Confederates,  all 
wounded,  five  dying  from  their  wounds.  General 
Wilder  reached  Gordonsville  after  dark.  Dr.  Rowen 
being  absent,  Miss  Bowen  volunteered  to  act  as  his 
guide  to  Smithville.  It  was  dark  and  rainy,  but  the 
trip  was  successfully  made.  Miss  Bowen  became  Mrs. 
Aust,  mother  of  John  R.  Aust,  a  prominent  lawyer  at 
Nashville. 

On  January  29,  1863,  General  Morgan,  with  Major 
Steele,  Captain  Carroll,  and  a  few  men,  came  to  Liberty 
from  McMinnville  and  selected  fifty  men  to  enter 
Nashville  stealthily,  burn  the  commissary  stores,  and  in 
the  confusion  of  the  fire  make  their  escape.     Among 

212 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

these  intrepid  scouts  was  Captain  Quirk.  But  at 
Stewart's  Ferry,  on  Stone's  River,  they  met  the  cap- 
tain of  a  Michigan  regiment  with  twenty  men.  For 
a  while  the  enemy  conversed,  Morgan  claiming  to  be 
Captain  Johnson,  of  the  Fifth  Kentucky  Regiment  of 
Federals.  Presently  the  Federals  saw  under  their  over- 
coats the  Confederates'  gray  pants.  This  spoiled  the 
raid ;  for  while  fifteen  of  the  Federals  were  captured, 
the  others  reached  Nashville  and  gave  the  alarm. 

Before  Mr.  B.  L.  Ridley,  of  Murfreesboro,  became 
a  lieutenant  on  the  staff  of  Lieut.  Gen.  A,  P.  Stewart 
he  was  a  private  in  Colonel  Ward's  regiment,  camped 
at  Liberty.    In  a  letter  dated  March  23,  1914,  he  writes : 

I  was  a  boy  then — had  been  in  the  war  a  good  while  before, 
but  had  never  regularly  enlisted  until  Morgan  settled  down  in 
Liberty.  Our  quarters  for  the  winter  were  near  where  the 
pike  runs  through  between  the  creek  and  the  hillside,  forming 
a  covered  road  [Allen's  Bluff].  We  were  just  north  of  the 
road  that  runs  toward  Woodbury,  and  my  regiment  guarded 
that  road.  We  also  scouted  toward  Auburn  and  Alexandria; 
and  on  one  occasion  Colonel  Ward  took  us  over  to  near  Car- 
thage, where  we  captured  a  big  wagon  train  and  a  large  escort 
of  guards.  All  the  prisoners  we  marched  through  Liberty  to 
the  rear, 

Rosecrans  was  stationed  at  Murfreesboro,  and  General 
Wilder  was  one  of  our  adversaries.  With  him  was  Stokes's 
regiment.  The  latter,  with  Wilder's  support,  made  frequent 
raids  upon  us.  They  came  out  on  foraging  expeditions  and 
a  number  of  times  drove  us  back  to  Snow's  Hill.  Sometimes 
Federal  parties  would  go  out  on  the  Woodbury  Pike  to  Mc- 
Minnville.  Then  we  would  intercept  the  raiders  by  marching 
out  from  Liberty  and  threatening  the  rear,  when  they  would 
get  back  toward  Murfreesboro.  My  company  was  often  made 
to  picket  the  Woodbury  [Clear  Fork]   Road.     One  day  our 

213 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

base  was  near  the  house  of  a  man  who  seemed  to  have  two 
hundred  chickens.  He  looked  as  surly  as  a  snarling  cur.  His 
folks  were  in  the  Yankee  army,  and  he  was  no  doubt  a  home 
gfuard.  We  tried  to  buy  some  of  his  chickens,  but  he  would 
not  sell.  Anyhow,  the  boys  captured  twenty-five  and  hid 
them.  The  officers  found  it  out,  and  we  had  to  carry  them 
back.     He  refused  even  to  give  us  one  or  two! 

We  got  the  wife  of  one  of  Stokes's  cavalry  to  wash  our 
clothes  and  cook  our  rations.  We  made  a  contract  with  her 
that  if  we  captured  her  husband  we  would  treat  him  kindly 
if  she  promised  she  would  make  him  be  kind  if  he  captured 
us.  She  agreed.  But  after  the  war  Favor  Cason  told  me  it 
was  fortunate  that  we  did  not  fall  into  that  fellow's  hands, 
as  he  was  a  cutthroat.    I  have  forgotten  his  name. 

Together  with  my  brother,  I  called  on  Mrs.  W.  B.  Stokes, 
and  she  treated  us  kindly. 

All  of  these  raids  were  made  by  General  Wilder,  but 
Stokes's  cavalry  was  usually  with  him. 

While  at  Liberty  the  battle  of  Milton  came  off.  Captain 
Cossett,  of  my  company,  being  killed  by  my  side.  He  was 
under  arrest  for  writing  a  letter  to  President  Davis  asking 
for  a  pass  to  slip  into  the  Federal  lines  and  kill  Abe  Lincoln, 
but,  securing  weapons,  went  into  the  fight.* 

The  battle  of  Milton  took  place  March  20,  1863. 
Early  that  morning  Morgan's  men  at  Liberty  were 
notified  to  hasten  toward  Milton  and  attack  Colonel 
Hall,  who  had  already  driven  the  Confederate  outposts 
to  within  a  few  miles  of  Liberty.  All  was  excitement. 
The  pike  from  the  village  was  crowded  with  horsemen, 

*A11  Americans  have  heard  of  the  assassination  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  by  John  Wilkes  Booth,  the  actor.  Few  have 
heard  that  it  was  meditated  two  years  previously  by  a  soldier 
in  camp  at  Liberty.  Were  Booth  and  Captain  Cossett  ren- 
dered insane  by  brooding  over  the  war  and  its  havoc? 

214 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

first  in  a  gallop,  then  in  a  wild  dash  toward  Auburn. 
Many  horses  fell,  but  the  Confederates  passed  through 
Auburn  amid  cheers  and  waving  of  handkerchiefs  by 
the  citizens.  Colonel  Hall  retreated,  but  was  over- 
taken and  forced  to  fight:  then  came  the  pop  of  small 
arms,  the  roar  of  cannon,  and  the  yells  of  the  con- 
testants. The  battle  was  stubborn  and  long.  It  lasted 
three  hours,  the  Confederate  loss  being  about  three 
hundred.  Morgan's  ammunition  gave  out,  and  he  had 
to  withdraw.  The  Federals  went  back  to  Murfrees- 
boro,  the  Confederates  to  Liberty.  Captains  Cossett, 
Cooper,  Sale,  and  Marr  were  killed. 

When  Morgan  reached  Liberty  with  his  two  thou- 
sand cavalry  the  citizens  looked  on  a  sight  they  would 
always  remember — the  dead  cavalrymen  tied  on  horses 
and  the  dead  artillerymen  strapped  on  the  caisson  and 
gun  carriages. 

The  St.  Louis  writer  to  the  Confederate  Veteran, 
R.  L.  Thompson,  mentioned  a  while  ago,  was  a  soldier 
at  Liberty  at  this  time.  In  his  article  he  says  of  the 
battle  of  Milton:  "While  in  camp  at  Liberty  I  remem- 
ber one  morning  about  two  o'clock,  while  the  cold  rain 
was  pouring  down,  Cooper  the  bugler  gave  the  boots 
and  saddle  call  quick  and  lively.  At  the  same  time 
Johnson's  pickets  were  hotly  engaged  on  the  Murfrees- 
boro  Pike.  We  went  briskly  toward  the  sounds  of  the 
guns  and  continued  to  go  until  we  reached  the  town 
of  Milton.  There  we  found  General  Morgan  with  a 
part  of  his  force  in  battle  with  Federal  infantry.  Two 
batteries  were  engaged  in  a  duel  when  we  arrived.  As 
soon  as  our  regiment  put  in  its  appearance  the  Federal 

215 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

battery  began  firing  on  our  column.  ,  .  .  One  shell 
stopped  at  our  feet,  and  Comrade  Judge  emptied  his 
canteen  of  water  on  it,  extinguishing  the  fuse.  We 
dismounted  and  entered  a  large  cedar  thicket,  the 
ground  being  covered  with  large  rock  which  sheltered 
us  from  bullets.  When  the  battle  ceased  we  withdrew, 
bringing  the  dead  and  wounded  away,  all  that  we  could 
find,  on  our  horses,  the  dead  tied  on.  The  battery  re- 
moved its  killed  and  wounded  in  the  same  way,  the  dead 
strapped  on  the  caisson  and  gun  carriages." 

The  writer  recalls  this  scene  of  the  dead  soldiers. 
The  day  was  cool  and  cloudy.  The  main  street  was 
then  about  where  W.  L.  Vick's  business  house  stood 
in  1814.  At  this  point  the  command  halted.  Some 
of  the  wagons  with  the  dead  were  near  the  yard  fence 
of  the  writer's  home. 

A  former  DeKalb  Countian  and  a  gentleman  of 
veracity  writes:  "An  incident  of  the  Milton  fight  I 
remember  very  distinctly.  I  was  then  at  Sligo  Ferry, 
a  small  boy.  My  father  had  been  paroled  and  had 
taken  his  family  to  Sligo.  Captain  Ragen,  of  Mor- 
gan's command,  was  sick  at  our  house.  Learning  of 
the  probable  fighting  at  Milton,  he  went  to  his  com- 
mand against  my  mother's  protest.  Leaving  one  day, 
he  was  killed  the  next.  I  presume  he  was  one  of  the 
dead  men  brought  through  Liberty  tied  on  horses. 
Another  incident :  The  Kentuckians  at  one  time  were 
camped  in  the  woods  on  our  place  at  Sligo.  They  had 
no  tents.  One  mess,  sleeping  behind  a  log,  were,  with 
the  exception  of  one  man,  killed  by  a  falling  tree.  All 
were  buried  at  Sligo.    My  mother  took  their  trinkets 

216 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

and  forwarded  the  same  to  their  relatives.  After- 
wards their  remains  were  removed,  I  think,  to  Ver- 
sailles, Ky.  About  eight  years  ago  I  was  on  a  train 
going  from  Louisville  to  Chicago  and  met  a  very 
handsome  gentleman,  finely  dressed  and  prosperous- 
looking.  I  cannot  now  recall  his  name,  but  in  the 
course  of  conversation  I  learned  that  he  was  the 
soldier  who  escaped  death  from  the  falling  tree.  He 
had  been  hurt,  but  not  seriously." 

217 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
Personal  Experiences. 

During  the  winter  and  spring  of  1863  the  Federals 
advanced  three  times  in  heavy  force  against  Liberty — 
cavalry,  infantry,  and  artillery.  On  these  occasions 
the  noncombatants  went  in  droves  to  the  hills  north- 
west of  town  for  protection,  stopping  either  at  the 
home  of  John  Bethel  or  that  of  Thomas  Richardson. 
From  Bethel's  the  movements  of  the  troops  could  be 
seen.  If  the  Confederates  were  beaten  and  pushed 
back  on  Snow's  Hill,  they  often  followed  the  pur- 
suers when  the  latter  retired. 

While  all  this  was  occurring  Allison's  Squadron  fre- 
quently took  part.  Not  infrequently  it  was  engaged 
alone  with  the  enemy.  James  H.  Burton,  of  the  squad- 
ron, relates  this  experience:  "On  one  occasion  a  part 
of  the  battalion  was  camped  in  the  beech  grove  near 
Daniel  Smith's,  just  north  of  Liberty — about  seventy- 
five  men,  portions  of  the  three  companies.  Lieut.  D. 
Brien  was  in  command  of  the  picket  guard  of  ten  men. 
He  placed  a  vidette  at  the  corner  of  the  two  streets, 
where  stood  the  storehouse  of  William  Vick  that  was 
burned.  The  picket  guard  were  all  the  troops  whose 
horses  were  saddled,  when  a  stranger  came  along  with 
a  wounded  horse  and  told  us  that  a  large  force  of  Fed- 
erals had  fired  on  him  at  the  forks  of  the  pike,  two 
miles  west  of  Liberty.  The  guard  went  to  meet  them 
and  did  meet  them  not  far  from  Salem  Church.  We 
fired  a  volley,  and  then  the  race  back  through  the  vil- 

218 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

lage  and  toward  Snow's  Hill  began.  All  the  guard  had 
an  even  start,  but  by  the  time  I  reached  Leonard 
Moore's  (about  the  center  of  Liberty)  I  was  at  least 
seventy-five  yards  ahead  and  constantly  gaining.  1 
soon  made  the  turn  down  the  main  street  and  heard  no 
more  bullets.  When  the  Yankees  began  shooting  down 
the  main  street  I  had  made  the  turn  for  the  bridge. 
Keeping  the  advantage  to  the  end,  I  beat  the  other 
guards  about  one  hundred  yards.  The  boys  guyed  me 
for  leaving  them.  I  resented  this,  when  Colonel  Alli- 
son said  he  saw  the  race  from  start  to  finish  and  that 
I  came  out  ahead  only  because  I  had  the  best  horse," 

Mr.  Burton  adds :  "When  the  picket  guard  reached 
the  command  north  of  Daniel  Smith's,  the  boys  were 
mounted,  and  a  running  fight  occurred  to  Dry  Creek 
bridge.  Here  Company  C,  under  Capt.  R.  V.  Wright, 
stopped  and  waited  for  the  Federals,  then  fired  when 
they  came  up,  checking  them  for  a  short  time.  At  the 
Stanford  home  Company  B,  under  Captain  Reece,  was 
left  on  the  south  side  of  the  pike.  His  men,  when  the 
Federals  approached,  fired  again,  checking  them  the 
second  time.  Company  A  was  left  behind  Asbury 
Church,  and  it  held  the  enemy  back  till  our  company 
wagons,  loaded  with  bacon,  got  well  up  Snow's  Hill. 
The  bacon  was  what  we  were  fighting  for.  One  of 
our  men,  Tom  Coleman,  was  slightly  wounded  in  the 
foot  by  a  spent  ball.  In  the  skirmish  at  Dry  Creek 
bridge  Lieut.  D.  Brien's  horse  got  away  from  him. 
He  could  not  be  caught,  and,  seeing  the  Federals  would 
get  the  animal,  Brien  ordered  the  men  to  shoot  him. 
At  Stanford's  place  a  good  roan  horse  came  into  our 

219 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

lines,  and  Lieutenant  Brien  got  him.  He  had  blood  on 
the  saddle  and  a  Spencer  rifle  and  belt  of  cartridges  on 
the  saddle  horn.  There  were  seventy-five  men  all  told 
on  our  side,  and  fifteen  hundred  Federals.  They 
thought  we  were  the  advance  guard  of  Morgan's  Cav- 
alry. If  they  had  known  our  real  strength,  they  would 
have  made  short  work  of  us.  I  never  knew  till  I  came 
to  Arkansas  that  we  hit  any  of  the  enemy,  when  Frank 
Dowell  told  me  they  used  his  barn  for  a  hospital ;  that 
four  died,  and  he  thought  four  more  died  later.  Dowell 
lived  near  the  Dry  Creek  bridge." 

A  considerable  fight  came  off  near  the  intersection 
of  the  Murfreesboro  and  Lebanon  roads,  or  the  forks 
of  the  pikes.  Lieut.  Ed  Reece,  Vv^ho  took  part,  tells 
this  incident  in  connection  with  the  affair:  Capt.  Jack 
Recce's  company  of  Allison's  Squadron,  which  usually 
camped  near  Alexandria,  left  the  camps  on  Helton 
Creek,  going  west  toward  Wilson  County.  They  were 
scouting  for  Yankees.  None  being  discovered,  they 
made  a  fierce  attack  on  John  Barleycorn,  intrenched  at 
Isaac  Smith's  stillhouse,  on  the  road  leading  north 
from  the  present  store  or  post  office  called  Mahone. 
Turning  back  toward  Alexandria  directly,  they 
learned  of  an  engagement  going  on  near  the  forks  of 
the  pike  and  galloped  in  that  direction.  Reaching  the 
scene  of  battle.  Captain  Reece  and  his  troopers  took  a 
position  in  the  woods  and  awaited  orders.  While  there 
Colonel  Allison  and  the  remainder  of  the  squadron 
arrived. 

"Captain  Reece,"  said  Allison,  "you  have  no  busi- 
ness here.    Withdraw  your  company."    "Colonel  AlH- 

220 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

son,"  was  the  reply  [Captain  Reece  feeling  the  stimu- 
lus yet  over  the  victory  of  John  Barleycorn],  "Com- 
pany B  will  remain  where  it  is."  "Captain  Reece,  you 
are  drunk,"  asserted  Allison.  "Colonel  Allison," 
snapped  Reece,  "you're  a  damned  liar." 

At  this  the  two  urged  their  horses  nearer  each  other 
and  on  horseback  engaged  in  a  savage  fist-and-skull 
battle.  When  both  were  nearly  out  of  breath,  and  it 
was  forced  upon  all  that  their  energies  were  needed 
against  the  common  enemy,  comrades  interfered. 

Isaiah  White  was  in  this  skirmish,  and  he  says  the 
Federals  and  Confederates  were  so  near  each  other 
that  he  recognized  acquaintances  on  the  Federal  side — 
Captain  Hathaway,  Colonel  Blackburn,  and  others. 
H.  L.  Hale,  recalling  boyish  memories  of  these  occa- 
sions, says  that  there  were  times,  as  the  Confederates 
were  pushed  back  stubbornly  through  Liberty  and 
north  toward  Snow's  Hill,  when  the  opposing  forces 
were  only  a  few  hundred  yards  apart.  Part  of 
Stokes's  Regiment  was  advancing  one  day,  and  he  saw 
Miss  Mattie  Hathaway  run  out  to  the  front  gate  and 
speak  a  few  words  to  her  sweetheart,  Capt.  W.  L. 
Hathaway,  while  bullets  were  whizzing  around  them. 

Skirmishes  were  so  frequent  that  comparatively 
slight  disturbances  would  put  the  citizens  and  soldiers 
in  commotion.  About  sunset  on  one  occasion  a  tre- 
mendous roar,  somewhat  resembling  the  roll  of  thun- 
der, was  heard  westward.  Confederates  at  supper  in 
the  writer's  home  hastened  to  the  street.  The  sound 
grew  louder  as  the  moments  passed.  The  mystery  was 
soon  solved.     A  Federal  wagon  train  had  been  cap- 

221 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

tured,  and  the  captors  were  forcing  the  teamsters  to 
drive  their  fastest.  This  may  have  been  the  train  men- 
tioned elsewhere  by  Lieutenant  Ridley.  It  proved  a 
rich  haul.  That  evening  boxes  were  opened  and  the 
Confederates'  hosts  and  hostesses  given  many  fine 
presents. 

The  following  notes  may  be  of  interest,  some  of 
them  being  illuminative  of  village  life  during  war 
times : 

In  January,  1863,  Maj.  J.  P.  Austin  and  Capt.  Wil- 
liam Roberts,  Confederates,  with  fifty  men,  left  Liberty 
for  the  Andrew  Jackson  home  to  capture  a  squad  of 
Federal  couriers  stationed  there.  Passing  through 
Alexandria,  then  between  Lebanon  and  Baird's  Mills, 
they  reached  the  Hermitage  by  midnight.  The  couriers 
having  left,  Morgan's  men  repaired  to  Lavergne, 
where,  finding  the  enemy  barricaded  in  a  log  house, 
they  captured  the  latter,  thirteen  in  number,  and  car- 
ried them  to  Liberty.  By  the  way,  during  the  time 
Morgan's  men  were  in  the  county,  says  General  Duke, 
they  captured  more  Federals  than  there  were  eflfective 
men  in  Morgan's  command. 

In  a  sharp  fight  at  Lavergne  between  DeKalb  Fed- 
erals and  a  force  of  Confederates  Charley  Blackburn, 
brother  of  Col.  Joe  Blackburn,  was  killed. 

There  were  a  number  of  tragedies  in  the  county. 
Sim  Adamson,  who  had  been  in  the  Confederate  army, 
was  killed  near  Alexandria.  Mon  Adkins,  a  Union 
soldier,  was  killed  by  Capt.  Jack  Garrison,  at  the  lat- 
ter's  home,  near  Forks-of-the-Pike,  at  the  close  of  the 

22? 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

war.  James  Hays,  a  young  man,  and  Mr.  Bullard,  an 
aged  citizen,  were  brought  to  Liberty  by  Federals, 
tried  by  court-martial,  and  shot.  A  Confederate  sol- 
dier was  killed  in  a  field  near  Salem  Church.  The 
killing  of  several  Union  soldiers  at  Smithville  by  Pomp 
Kersey's  raiders  is  mentioned  in  this  work.  A  Confed- 
erate prisoner  named  Parrish  was  killed  one  night  in 
Alexandria  by  the  Federal  soldier  guarding  him. 
While  conscripting  to  recruit  Allison's  Squadron  at 
Alexandria  John  Bowman  was  slain. 

Sometimes  when  the  Confederates  would  chase  the 
Federals  out  of  Liberty  it  was  a  good  opportunity  for 
the  wives  of  secessionists  to  get  together  and  rejoice  in 
secret.  There  was  one  lady,  Polly  Hayes  Knight,  who 
lived  three  or  four  miles  away,  truly  a  feminine  fire- 
eater,  and  who  frequently  came  to  the  writer's  home 
with  no  other  object,  as  she  said,  than  to  "indulge  in  a 
big  laugh  over  some  unhappy  defeat  of  the  Yanks." 
The  stories  she  told  and  the  laughter  she  and  her 
listeners  indulged  in  were  really  refreshing.  One  day 
while  there  Mrs.  "Puss"  Turner,  the  wife  of  a  Union- 
ist and  one  of  the  sweetest  of  the  neighbor  women, 
came  in, 

"I  was  passing  the  house  of  Spicy  Combs  just  now," 
she  said.  [Spicy  was  the  wife  of  a  rather  sorry  Fed- 
eral soldier  named  Bill  Holly,  but  was  always  called 
by  her  former  husband's  name.]  "She  called  me  in  to 
taste  some  sweet  cakes  she  had  just  baked."  "And  you 
found  them  very  crisp  and  nice?"  she  was  asked.  "I 
will  let  you  say,"  said  she,  "when  I  tell  you  that  I  could 

223 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

have  put  my  toe  on  the  edge  of  one  of  those  cakes  and 
stretched  the  other  side  to  the  overhead  ceiHng."* 

During  the  stay  of  Morgan's  men  at  Liberty,  Quirk's 
Scouts  especially  made  friends  with  both  Union  and 
Confederate  sympathizers.  While  snow  was  on  the 
ground  the  soldiers  would  encourage  the  village  lads 
to  engage  in  cob  battles  and  greatly  enjoyed  them. 
With  jMorgan's  troops  was  a  seventeen-year-old  youth 
named  John  A.  Wyeth.  He  is  to-day  one  of  the  lead- 
ing physicians  and  surgeons  of  New  York  and  author 
of  the  finest  life  yet  written  of  General  Forrest.  The 
writer  of  these  annals  recalls  one  Federal  soldier  whom 
the  three  boys  in  his  home  learned  to  love — Joe  Baker, 
probably  with  a  regiment  of  Kentuckians.  He  was 
kind-hearted  and  loved  nothing  better  than  to  romp 
with  the  children.  A  well-remembered  Kentucky 
Confederate  trooper  of  Morgan's  command  was  JeflF 
Citizen,  who  was  bibulous.  When  drinking  he  dis- 
ported on  his  calico  mule  and  sang  continuously  and 
unmusically : 


*Was  there  at  any  time  during  the  war  a  United  States, 
Confederate  States,  or  Tennessee  statute  or  license  providing 
for  something  in  the  nature  of  trial  or  special  marriages  for 
the  soldiers?  As  a  small  lad  the  writer  heard  such  a  thing 
discussed  at  Liberty,  and  there  was  a  mutual-consent  contract 
of  the  kind  there  between  a  soldier  from  another  State  and 
a  widow.  They  cohabited  about  six  months,  when  the  soldier 
was  called  to  some  other  section.  The  marriage  thus  an- 
nulled by  mutual  consent,  the  woman  some  months  later 
married  another  man  according  to  the  conventional  law.  This 
is  not  a  dream ;  others  remember  the  facts. 

224 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

I  lay  ten  dollars  down, 

And  bet  them  every  one, 
That  every  time  we  have  a  fight 

The  Yankees  they  will  run. 

Mr.  B.  G.  Slaughter,  formerly  of  Quirk's  Confed- 
erate scouts,  but  after  the  war  editor  of  the  Winchester 
(Tenn.)  Home  Journal,  wrote  W.  L.  Vick  in  1902, 
something  of  the  scouts'  stay  in  Liberty.  He  says 
that  Captain  Quirk  had  headquarters  in  the  Methodist 
church,  and  his  men  were  quartered  near,  taking  meals 
with  the  villagers,  Union  and  secession.*  He  recalled 
his  own  host's  family,  "a  gentle  wife  and  daughter  and 
peaceful-faced  old  gentleman,  who  had  a  son-in-law 
in  Stokes's  Cavalry."  Mr.  Slaughter  adds :  "On  one 
occasion  we  were  on  scout  toward  Murfreesboro — I 
think  to  a  point  about  three  miles  from  Liberty.  We 
had  just  gone  down  a  long  slant  through  a  wooded 
country  to  a  branch  emptying  into  Smith  Fork  (which 
flowed  parallel  with  the  pike).  The  bridge  over  the 
branch  had  been  washed  out,  or  else  the  floor  had  been 
removed  by  the  Federals  that  morning  as  a  trap  should 
they  force  us  to  retreat.  The  place  was  a  deep  gulch. 
We  had  to  take  a  stock  path  above  the  bridge  to  cross 
and  get  back  to  the  pike.  We  had  not  gone  far — little 
more  than  a  mile — when  we  reached  a  glade  to  our 
right,  where  a  dirt  road  intersected  the  pike  at  right 
angles,  though  pointing  from  us.     Just  beyond  this 

*The  writer  of  this  history  remembers  having  been  often 
aroused  from  slumber  by  the  songs  of  the  scouts— Jim  Mc- 
Gowdy,    Bill    McCreary,    and    others — singing    "Lorena"    or 
"Tenting  on  the  Old  Camp  Ground."    They  were  a  jovial  set. 
15  225 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Captain  Quirk  called  a  consultation.  It  was  decided 
that  the  Yankees  were  'laying'  for  us,  a  larger  force 
than  ours.  He  called  me  by  my  camp  name,  'Squirrel,' 
and  ordered  me  to  go  back  to  camp  and  bring  all  our 
men  fit  for  duty,  cautioning  me  that  the  Yankees  might 
cut  me  off  just  ahead.  With  a  dash  I  began  the  daring 
ride.  At  the  intersection  of  the  dirt  road  and  pike  I 
saw  two  bluecoats  under  spur  to  cut  me  off.  They 
commanded  me  to  halt,  but  I  went  down  the  pike,  the 
enemy  in  pursuit.  They  were  no  doubt  confident  of 
capturing  me  at  the  floorless  bridge.  They  were  gain- 
ing ground;  but  with  a  firm,  steady  pull  old  sorrel 
Charley  cleared  the  breach,  a  distance  of  nearly  twenty 
feet  and  deep  enough  to  have  killed  rider  and  horse. 
The  animal  did  not  make  a  check  on  the  other  side. 
With  a  loud  cheer  and  a  parting  shot  I  soon  left  the 
pursuers." 

The  bridge  mentioned  was  probably  near  the  present 
residence  of  Grant  Roy,  the  county  surveyor. 

Alexandria  did  not  escape  the  excitement  of  the 
times.  Besides  the  encampment  of  local  soldiers,  Gen- 
eral Wheeler,  General  Wharton,  Colonel  Smith,  and 
Colonel  Harrison  (of  the  Eighth  Texas)  were  fa- 
miliar in  that  and  the  surrounding  communities.  They 
were  camped  on  the  various  roads — Carthage,  States- 
ville,  Lebanon,  and  Murfreesboro.  It  was  from  Alex- 
andria that  General  Morgan  started  on  his  famous  raid 
through  Ohio  and  Indiana. 

Sometime  during  the  war  an  old  Scotch  word  "ske- 
daddle," which  was  applied  to  milk  spilt  over  the  pail 
in  carrying  it,  was  made  to  take  on  a  new  meaning. 

226 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

The  Northern  papers  said  the  Southern  forces  were 
skedaddled  by  the  Federals.  The  word  soon  became 
common.  Many  rich  stories  were  told  of  how  the 
DeKalb  County  noncombatants  would  flee  from  their 
homes  when  the  enemy  dashed  suddenly  into  a  com- 
munity. Perhaps  one  of  the  best  is  that  in  which  Hon. 
Horace  A.  Overall  figured.  A  number  of  skedaddlers 
on  a  very  cold  night  were  sleeping  in  a  barn  at  the 
head  of  one  of  the  Clear  Fork  hollows,  among  them  a 
rather  simple-minded  man.  This  man  about  midnight 
awoke  his  comrades  with  the  startling  news  that  the 
Yankees  were  coming.  "How  do  you  know  its  Yan- 
kees?" he  was  asked.  "Because  I  hear  Patsy  Spur- 
lock's  dogs  barkin'  down  the  branch,"  was  the  reply. 
"But  before  I  take  the  bitter  cold,"  said  Overall,  crawl- 
ing back  into  the  hay,  "you'll  have  to  convince  me  that 
Patsy  Spurlock's  dogs  won't  bark  at  anything  but  Yan- 
kees.'" 

The  following,  contributed  to  a  newspaper  some 
years  ago  by  the  writer,  has  to  do  with  a  very  small 
lad's  memories  of  the  time  that  tried  the  soul : 

It  does  not  appear  now  that  war  times  in  our  village  were 
so  unpleasant.  But  at  moments  the  childish  heart  must  have 
been  filled  with  fear.  I  remember  the  sudden  dash  of  soldiers 
into  the  village  now  and  then,  the  popping  reports,  the  scam- 
pering to  a  hiding  place  by  noncombatants.  One  late  afternoon 
some  Confederates  took  the  village,  but  all  I  remember  of  that 
occasion  is  that  one  of  the  men  entered  Joe  Blackburn's  stable 
and  took  out  a  fine  stallion.  On  another  afternoon  old  Mr. 
Bullard  was  executed  east  of  the  steam  mill,  and  four  Feder- 
als, ahold  of  his  hands  and  feet,  brought  him  up  the  street.  I 
noted  that  his  hair  hung  down  and  his  coat  tail  dragged  on  the 

22^ 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

ground.  There  was  a  night  when  we  were  awakened  by  ex- 
cited citizens  on  the  street.  Some  one  explained  that  "Uncle 
Ben  Blades  has  been  killed  in  his  own  house  and  is  swelling 
badly."  My  mother  told  the  informant  to  put  a  small  bag  of 
salt  on  his  stomach,  and  it  would  prevent  swelling.  Jim  Clark, 
a  youth,  had  been  killed  on  another  occasion  by  Pomp  Kersey's 
men.  Often  that  day  I  looked  across  the  fields  toward  his 
home,  saw  the  crowd  of  sympathizing  friends  gathered  before 
his  burial,  and  wondered  how  he  looked  and  how  his  father 
comported  himself.  General  Wilder's  men  burned  a  store- 
house in  the  village.  Doubtless  there  was  fear  in  many  hearts, 
but  I  only  noticed  how  black  the  smoke  was  that  bulged  out 
of  the  chimney.  Then  when  he  burned  the  big  mill,  and  I 
stood  looking  out  the  south  window,  again  I  was  attracted 
mainly  to  the  black  volume  rolling  up  from  the  smokestack. 
I  mar\'eled  greatly  when  I  saw  on  the  ruins  of  the  store 
molten  glass ;  that  it  could  be  melted  was  something  I  had  not 
known.  One  late  summer  afternoon  an  ox  team  toiled  up  the 
village  street,  stopping  in  front  of  the  John  Hays  storehouse, 
which,  like  all  others,  was  vacant.  Seven  or  eight  dead  bod- 
ies, piled  on  the  cart  like  rails,  were  carried  in  and  laid  on  the 
floor — all  that  was  left  of  Kersey's  guerrillas.  In  one  room  in 
our  home  there  were  two  beds,  my  father  occupying  one  with 
the  youngest  child,  Bruce,  and  my  mother  the  other  with  two 
children.  Suddenly  one  midnight  the  hysterical  wife  of  a 
Union  soldier  in  night  clothes  rapped  at  the  door,  imploring 
us  to  admit  her  quickly.  My  mother  opened  the  door,  when 
the  woman,  in  the  darkness  and  while  in  terror  crying  that  the 
Rebels  had  entered  the  town,  jumped  into  the  wrong  bed! 

228 


CHAPTER  XX. 
Regular  and  Guerrilla  Warfare. 

The  most  important  battle  in  the  county  took  place 
in  the  spring  of  1863.  It  seems  to  have  been  expected 
by  Morgan's  command  at  Liberty,  for  the  scouts — 
the  eyes  of  an  army — were  out  all  night  in  the  direction 
of  both  Auburn  and  Alexandria. 

Burns's  Confederate  Battery  was  posted  on  one  of 
the  hillsides  east  or  northeast  of  the  village,  where  it 
could  be  trained  on  the  bridge  and  turnpike  at  the 
northern  extremity  of  the  town.  At  various  distances 
on  the  turnpike  between  Liberty  and  Snow's  Hill  were 
stationed  forces  of  Confederates.  Allison's  Squadron 
was  engaged  in  this  affair,  as  well  as  Morgan's  com- 
mand. 

After  daylight  the  Federals  appeared  in  force  some 
distance  west  of  the  village.  They  were  met  by  the 
Second  Kentucky  and  Quirk's  Scouts.  Charged  upon 
vigorously,  the  Confederates  retreated.  It  was  a 
miracle  that  they  were  able  to  pass  through  the  covered 
bridge.  It  was  here  that  Burns's  artillery  did  good 
work.  As  the  Confederates  choked  the  bridge,  the 
battery  opened  up  on  the  Federals  swarming  out  the 
north  end  of  the  village,  checking  them  sufficiently  to 
allow  the  Confederates  to  pass  through  the  bridge. 

By  this  time  the  Federals  had  from  the  northwest 
trained  their  cannon  on  their  foes,  and  soon  Burns's 
Battery  started  for  Snow's  Hill. 

There  was  a  stubborn  fight  all  along  the  road,  and 

229 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

at  last  Snow's  Hill  was  reached,  where  the  Confeder- 
ates made  a  stand,  though  not  for  long.  It  was  soon 
ascertained  that  a  column  of  Federals  had  gone  up 
Dry  Creek  and  out  the  Manhill  road  to  strike  them  in 
the  rear  and  cut  them  off  completely  from  escape. 
This  road  passes  by  the  farm  of  the  widow  George 
Turner,  through  the  Farler  hollow,  gradually  climbs 
the  southern  side  of  Snow's  Hill,  and  intersects  with 
the  stage  road  near  the  Atwell  schoolhouse,  east  of 
where  the  Confederates  made  their  stand. 

Discovering  tlie  intention  of  the  enemy,  Colonel 
Huffman,  with  the  Third  Kentucky  Confederates,  was 
sent  to  check  them,  but  did  not  reach  the  gap  in  time. 
However,  he  delayed  the  advance  guard  until  the 
troops  of  Colonel  Breckinridge  (now  retreating)  had 
passed  the  point  where  the  Union  cavalry  might  have 
cut  them  off  from  Smithville  seven  miles  east. 

Lieutenant  Ridley,  already  quoted,  says  further  in 
his  letter :  "I  recollect  well  that  Snow's  Hill  fight.  Gen- 
eral Morgan  was  at  McMinnville  that  day.  The  enemy 
commenced  pushing  us  back  about  daybreak  from  the 
intersection  of  the  Auburn  and  Alexandria  Pike,  grad- 
ually driving  us  to  Snow's  Hill.  Our  regiment  was 
on  the  hill,  and  our  troops  formed  all  the  way  from 
the  hill  to  the  rear  of  about  where  Colonel  Stokes's 
residence  was.  Our  artillery  was  planted  on  the  pike 
approaching  the  hill  (I  believe  it  was  Burns's  Battery), 
and  we  had  an  artillery  duel  for  several  hours.  After 
a  while  we  were  ordered  to  form  a  line  of  battle  in  the 
rear  of  Snow's  Hill,  on  the  Dry  Creek  road.  Quirk's 
Scouts,  it  seems,  were  fighting  Captain  Blackburn,  of 

230 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Stokes's  Cavalry,  on  that  road  and  falling  back  on  us. 
The  Dry  Creek  road  at  that  point  flanked  the  hill.  As 
we  lay  there,  two  or  three  other  regiments  formed  be- 
hind us,  and  our  orders  were,  if  too  heavily  pressed,  to 
fire  and  fall  back  on  these  regiments. 

"Suddenly  we  saw  the  Yankees  coming  around  the 
hill  on  the  Dry  Creek  road.  Some  of  the  men  said  it 
was  Joe  Blackburn  in  lead  of  the  cavalry.  We  fell 
back  on  Duke's  Regiment,  while  they  fell  back  on  an- 
other regiment,  so  that  we  were  all  jumbled  up  to- 
gether. Then  our  stampede  began.  It  was  said  that 
some  of  Stokes's  cavalry  recognized  Captain  Petticord 
in  our  retreating  troops.  They  had  gotten  out  of  am- 
munition, but  we  were  stampeded  like  cattle  on  the 
prairie,  and  they  dashed  along  behind  us,  calling :  'Halt 
there,  Petticord!  Halt!'  About  this  time  I,  with  my 
little  pony  that  couldn't  run,  and  Captain  Sisson  were 
about  to  be  captured,  when  the  pony  ran  into  a  mud- 
hole.  It  fell  over  two  or  three  other  horses  that  had 
likewise  floundered.  My  mouth  was  soon  full  of  mud. 
Captain  Sisson  had  two  loads  in  his  navy  and  fired 
them  at  our  pursuers,  who  were  also  out  of  ammuni- 
tion. These  were  the  last  shots  of  the  famous  stam- 
pede, and  they  stopped  the  pursuers.  Our  command 
moved  on  to  Smithville  and  from  there  to  ]\IcMinn- 
ville.  All  scattered  and  broken  up,  we  met  Duke  and 
Morgan,  who  rallied  us  and  took  us  back.  The  diffi- 
culty with  us  was  that  Morgan  had  not  been  married 
long  and  was  with  that  good  wife  at  McMinnville,  and 
our  organization  was  bad. 

"We   'seesaw^ed'    after   this,    fought   the   battle   of 

231 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Greasy  Creek,  Ky.,  and  went  back  to  Liberty.  It  was 
at  Liberty  that  I  got  my  commission  as  additional 
aid  to  General  Stewart." 

Several  men  were  killed  in  this  fight  and  were 
buried  near  the  old  Atwell  schoolhouse,  on  Snow's 
Hill.  Dr.  J.  A.  Fuson,  of  Dry  Creek,  turned  his  dwell- 
ing into  a  hospital  and  treated  the  wounded  free  of 
charge. 

According  to  General  Duke,  the  Confederates  re- 
turned to  Liberty  on  April  7,  1863,  in  obedience  to 
orders  from  General  Wheeler,  who  had  reached  Alex- 
andria with  Wharton's  Division.  Two  or  three  days 
later  Wheeler,  with  a  small  force,  proceeded  to  Leba- 
non, where  he  remained  three  days.  "During  that 
time,"  to  quote  Duke,  "the  enemy  advanced  once  more 
from  Murfreesboro,  but  retreated  before  reaching  our 
pickets.  Upon  our  return  from  Lebanon  only  a  por- 
tion of  the  forces  were  sent  to  Alexandria ;  more  than 
half,  under  command  of  General  Wheeler,  passed 
through  Rome  to  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Carthage. 
Remaining  there  during  the  night,  General  Wheeler 
fell  back  toward  Alexandria,  reaching  that  place  about 
I  or  2  P.M.  Wharton's  Division  was  again  encamped 
here,  and  Morgan's  Division,  under  my  command,  was 
sent  to  Liberty,  except  Smith's  Regiment,  which  was 
stationed  near  Alexandria." 

In  the  latter  part  of  April  the  First  Brigade  made 
headquarters  at  Alexandria,  encamping  on  the  Leba- 
non Pike  and  the  roads  to  Carthage  and  Statesville. 
The  country  around  Alexandria,  Auburn,  and  States- 
ville was  scouted  in  every  direction,  for  Federal  spies 

232 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


were  numerous.  On  June  lo  General  Morgan  himself 
arrived  at  Alexandria,  and  orders  were  issued  to  march 
the  next  day.  The  great  raider  was  about  to  start 
from  DeKalb  County  on  his  expedition  into  Indiana 
and  Ohio.    His  fighting  in  Middle  Tennessee  was  over. 

It  should  be  added  that  while  raiding  in  Indiana  and 
Ohio  he  was  captured.  Escaping  from  prison,  he  was 
soon  in  East  Tennessee,  reaching  Greeneville  on  Sep- 
tember 3,  1864,  and  making  his  headquarters  at  the 
residence  of  a  Mrs.  Williams.  About  daylight  on  the 
4th  some  Union  soldiers,  dashing  into  town,  surprised 
and  killed  him.  Duke  seems  to  think  he  was  betrayed 
by  Mrs.  Williams's  daughter-in-law;  but  Scott  and 
Angel,  authors  of  a  history  of  the  Thirteenth  East 
Tennessee  Regiment  of  Union  Cavalry,  say  that  a 
twelve-  or  thirteen-year-old  boy,  James  Leady,  went  to 
Bull's  Gap  and  informed  General  Gillem  of  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Confederates  in  Greeneville. 

Of  course  the  county  was  still  to  suffer  from  the 
presence  of  soldiers.  In  less  than  a  year  from  the  de- 
parture of  Morgan's  Cavalry  a  corpse  was  brought  to 
Liberty  from  White  County  which  told  of  a  disaster  to 
DeKalb  Federals.  It  was  that  of  George  C.  (Kit) 
Turney,  a  very  popular  young  man  of  the  Clear  Fork 
country,  who  had  been  serving  under  Stokes.  He  was 
killed  February  22,  1864,  in  the  battle  of  the  Calf  Killer 
by  White  County  Confederates. 

That  battle  was  really  a  massacre.  Stokes  was  sta- 
tioned at  Sparta.  It  is  said  he  had  raised  the  black  flag. 
No  quarter  was  to  be  given  to  such  men  as  Champe 
Ferguson,  George  Carter,  John  M.  Hughes,  W.   S. 

233 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Bledsoe,  Gatewood,  and  other  guerrillas.  In  February, 
1864,  he  sent  out  a  company  to  hunt  down  the  guer- 
rillas. Hughes  heard  of  it  and  mustered  a  force  to  at- 
tack the  Federals,  who  were  commanded  by  Capt.  E. 
W.  Bass,  The  guerrillas,  about  forty,  hid  in  ambush 
in  Dry  Valley,  on  the  headwaters  of  the  Calf  Killer, 
and  fired  into  Bass's  unsuspecting  company,  killing 
forty  or  fifty.  The  remainder  fled  to  Sparta,  probably 
without  firing  a  shot.  One  White  County  gentleman 
who  saw  the  dead  Federals  after  they  were  brought  in 
says  that  thirty-eight  were  shot  through  the  head  and 
three  had  been  killed  with  stones.  Among  the  names 
of  the  slain,  besides  Kit  Turney,  were  Ben  Fuston,  Jim 
Fuston,  Henry  Hendrixon,  Jerry  Hendrixon,  David 
Grandstaff,  J.  B.  Moore,  David  A.  Farmer,  Joseph 
Hail,  Jonathan  Jones,  T.  J.  Pistole,  and  Alex  Stanley , 
all  of  DeKalb  County.  So,  unaware,  these  men  had 
ridden  into  the  jaws  of  death,  into  the  mouth  of  hell. 
The  roadside  blazed,  there  was  a  deafening  volley,  and 
men  in  blue  began  tumbling  from  their  horses.  The 
scene  in  that  wild  region  must  have  been  strikingly 
weird.  The  sharp,  cruel  cracks  of  pistols  and  their  in- 
finitely multiplied  reverberations  from  mountain  to  val- 
ley (the  cries  of  the  dying  blended  with  the  metallic 
clanging  of  the  hoofs  of  scampering  and  riderless 
horses)  could  never  have  passed  out  of  the  memory  of 
the  survivors.  James  H.  Overall  stated  to  the  writer 
that  one  Federal,  Russel  Gan,  fell  on  the  field,  and, 
playing  dead,  afterw^ards  hid  in  a  hollow  log  and  es- 
caped after  nightfall. 

In  the  autumn  of  1864  Gen.  Joseph  Wheeler,  re- 

234 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

turning  southward  from  his  raid  into  East  Tennessee, 
passed  through  Liberty  and  Alexandria  and  on  toward 
Nashville.  He  had  started  from  Georgia  with  four 
thousand  cavalry  and  four  cannons.  While  in  East 
J  ennessee  he  sent  Gen.  "Cerro  Gordo"  Williams,  with 
two  thousand  men  and  two  cannons,  to  capture  the 
Federal  garrison  at  Strawberry  Plains.  With  General 
Williams  was  i\.llison's  squadron  of  DeKalb  Countians. 
Williams  found  the  garrison  too  strong  to  attack  and 
attempted  to  overtake  Wheeler,  but  failed.  Wheeler 
came  to  Sparta,  having  General  Dibrell's  regiment 
with  him.  Dibrell  was  left  at  Sparta  two  days,  while 
Wheeler  took  McMinnville  and,  reaching  Liberty,  cap- 
tured the  stockade,  which  had  been  deserted  on  his 
approach.  Reaching  Nashville,  he  kept  the  Federals 
uneasy  for  some  days,  then  marched  south.  In  his  re- 
port he  said  he  did  not  have  a  man  or  any  material 
captured.  It  is  alleged  that  Wiley  Odum,  of  Cherry 
Valley,  was  the  first  of  Wheeler's  men  to  enter  Liberty 
on  that  raid. 

Two  or  three  days  after  General  Wheeler  passed 
Gen.  "Cerro  Gordo"  Williams,  Dibrell's  cavalry,  and 
Champe  Ferguson's  guerrillas  came  through,  Fergu- 
son bringing  up  the  rear.  The  inhabitants  along  the 
turnpike  dreaded  Ferguson,  especially  the  Liberty  peo- 
ple. This  town  was  the  home  of  Stokes,  Blackburn, 
Hathaway,  and  Garrison,  He  burned  James  Lamber- 
son's  barn  and  thresher  at  Liberty  for  some  cause. 
On  the  pike  west  of  the  village  he  met  W,  G.  Evans, 
C.  W.  L.  Hale,  William  Vick,  and  William  Ford,  who 
had  been  to  bury  a  neighbor,  Mrs.  John  Bratten.    The 

235 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

guerrillas  asked  where  they  had  been.  The  reply  would 
have  been  satisfactory  if  Mr.  Evans  had  not  added: 
"We  also  buried  an  unknown  Confederate  soldier  in 
Lamberson's  field,  where  he  had  been  shot  by  two  De- 
Kalb County  Federals."  The  guerrillas  then  asked  if 
there  was  a  Union  man  in  the  crowd;  if  so,  he  should 
be  killed  in  retaliation.  Mr.  Ford,  a  man  of  the  high- 
est character  and  most  harmless  disposition,  was  the 
only  one ;  but  his  neighbors  pleaded  so  earnestly  for 
him  that  he  w^as  spared. 

James  H.  Fite,  formerly  a  trustee  of  DeKalb  County, 
but  now  residing  in  Anthony,  Kans.,  was  a  sixteen- 
year-old  private  in  Capt.  Jack  Garrison's  company  of 
Federals.  His  home  was  on  the  pike  a  mile  and  a 
half  west  of  Liberty.  Of  some  of  his  experiences,  he 
writes : 

Our  regiment,  the  First  Tennessee  Mounted  Infantry,  was 
mustered  in  at  Carthage  early  in  1864.  About  May  the  differ- 
ent companies  were  sent  to  various  portions  of  the  State  for 
garrison  duty  and  scouting  after  Champe  Ferguson  and  other 
guerrillas.  A  good  part  of  my  company  (G)  was  from  Liber- 
ty and  vicinity,  the  officers  having  been  a  part  of  Stokes's 
regiment.  We  were  first  sent  to  Granville,  above  Carthage,  on 
the  river,  to  build  a  stockade,  and  then  to  Liberty  to  build 
another,  our  force  numbering  seventy-five  or  one  hundred 
men.  The  latter  was  well  started  when  about  the  first  of 
September,  late  in  the  afternoon,  Wheeler's  cavalry  took  us 
by  surprise,  and  like  a  covey  of  birds  we  were  scattered. 

A  week  or  so  prior  to  this  Gen.  H.  P.  Van  Cleve,  at  Mur- 
freesboro,  sent  word  to  our  officers  that  Wheeler  was  reported 
coming  through  Sequatchie  Valley  and  suggested  to  them  to 
scout  in  that  direction  and  see  if  the  news  was  correct.  In- 
stead of  doing  that  they  selected  about  twenty  of  us  and  went 

236 


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History     of     DeKalb     County 

through  Lebanon  and  by  Cedar  Glade  and  Cainsville.  We 
returned  to  Liberty  about  two  hours  before  Wheeler  came 
upon  us  from  the  direction  of  Smithville.  It  was  a  complete 
surprise,  and  the  result  was  a  route.  There  was  considerable 
firing;  and,  while  nobody  was  killed,  they  captured  something 
like  a  dozen  of  our  boys. 

My  horse  had  given  out  on  the  expedition  into  Wilson 
County,  and  I  was  riding  one  belonging  to  a  member  of 
Stokes's  regiment.  In  returning  to  Liberty  I  stopped  at  my 
mother's,  just  west  of  that  village,  to  get  supper.  She  pre- 
pared a  sort  of  feast,  setting  the  table  on  the  front  porch. 
I  recall  the  big  peach  cobbler.  I  had  finished  supper  when  T. 
G.  Bratten  stopped  at  the  gate  and  told  me  that  they  were 
fighting  in  town  and  suggested  that  we  ride  down  and  take 
part.  As  I  had  no  horse,  he  went  alone.  He  returned  in  a 
gallop  shortly,  calling  to  me  that  the  Confederates  were  com- 
ing. I  watched  for  the  advance  guard,  soon  seeing  four  about 
three  hundred  yards  away,  and  retreated  in  fairly  good  order 
to  a  plum  thicket  back  of  the  house.  The  Johnnies  rode  into 
the  yard.  Having  brother  to  hold  their  horses,  they  ate  sup- 
per. Mother  said  one  of  them,  finishing  first,  walked  to  the 
back  door,  and  she  expected  every  moment  that  I  would  shoot 
him,  though  I  would  never  have  killed  one  from  the  bushes. 
I  am  glad  to  this  day  I  did  not,  for  that  Confederate  too  had 
a  mother  somewhere  waiting  for  his  return. 

About  sunset  quite  a  bunch  came  by  and  stopped.  Their 
officer  proved  to  be  a  relative  of  ours.  He  asked  for  a  pillow 
for  a  wounded  man,  mother  taking  it  to  the  gate.  They  had 
already  taken  a  buggy  from  a  neighbor.  When  asked  who 
was  in  command,  the  officer  said,  "Wheeler,"  adding  that  the 
force  was  ten  thousand  strong  and  would  be  a  week  in  pass- 
ing. In  the  night  I  went  to  the  house ;  and,  learning  that  the 
Confederates  were  under  Wheeler,  I  was  relieved.  The  im- 
pression was  that  they  were  Ferguson's  guerillas,  and  I  knew 
I  would  be  murdered  if  caught  by  them. 

The  next  day  I  found  a  hiding  place,  a  thicket  back  of  the 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

field,  and  had  a  narrow  escape.  Some  Confederates  came 
down  to  the  creek  very  close  to  me,  and  a  number  went 
swimming.  Others  were  as  thick  as  blackbirds  in  Eli  Vick's 
cornfield,  just  across  the  creek.  While  some  were  at  the 
house  eating,  a  soldier  went  up  and  said  that  they  had  killed  a 
Yankee  back  of  the  field.  It  was  supposed  that  some  one  in 
the  neighborhood  told  him  to  say  that  before  mother,  believing 
that  she  in  her  emotion  would  give  me  away.  My  little  broth- 
er, Robert,  whispered  to  her  to  be  quiet,  and  he  would  go  and 
see  if  anybody  was  killed.  When  within  thirty  yards  of  me  a 
Confederate  asked  where  he  was  going.  His  reply  was  that 
he  was  hunting  where  the  hogs  had  been  getting  into  the  field. 
My  brother  soon  found  me  and  reassured  mother.  Truly 
the  mothers,  daughters,  sisters,  and  sweethearts  deserve  as 
much  honor  as  any  of  the  soldiers. 

After  Wheeler  passed  through,  our  men  got  together  again 
and  finished  the  stockade.  I  think  we  could  have  kept  off 
quite  a  force  now,  unless  the  attacking  party  had  had  cannon. 
We  were  at  the  stockade  when  the  battle  of  Nashville  took 
place  between  Hood  and  Thomas.  We  expected  an  attack 
from  Forrest,  but  I'm  thankful  he  never  came.  Only  sixteen, 
I  did  not  have  sense  enough  at  that  age  to  be  scared.  I  have 
seen  older  men  have  ague  when  they  expected  an  attack. 

Stragglers  from  Wheeler's  command  depredated  on 
tlie  farms  near  the  turnpike.  In  this  way  Thomas 
Givan,  on  Clear  Fork,  lost  five  fine  mares.  All  the 
horses  on  Eli  Vick's  farm  were  carried  oflf.  Many 
other  citizens  suffered  losses. 

General  Williams,  as  remarked,  never  overtook 
Wheeler.  On  the  way  he  camped  at  Alexandria, 
where  the  troops  of  Allison's  Squadron  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  meet  their  families  and  friends.  Reaching  a 
point  in  Rutherford  County,  he  went  eastward  on  the 
Woodbury  Pike,   where  he  had  a  considerable  fight 

238 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

with  the  Federals.  Later  on  he  reached  Saltville,  Va., 
where  the  guerrilla,  Capt,  George  Carter,  a  leading 
spirit  of  the  battle  of  the  Calf  Killer  some  months 
previous,  was  killed  October  2,  1864.  Carter's  slayer 
was  recognized  and  his  body  riddled  with  balls. 

The  war  had  demoralized  both  Federals  and  Confed- 
erates. Many  young  men  of  excellent  families  through- 
out the  South  and  Tennessee  became  enamored  of  the 
spirit  of  adventure,  as  shown  in  the  daring  and  reck- 
less exploits  of  cavalry  raiders.  This  is  how,  perhaps, 
Pomp  Kersey's  small  company  came  into  existence. 

Kersey  had  been  a  private  in  Capt.  L.  N.  Savage's 
DeKalb  County  company  of  the  Sixteenth  Confederate 
Regiment.  Returning  home,  he  for  some  reason  did 
not  go  back  to  his  command,  but  remained  on  Short 
Mountain,  where  he  collected  a  band  of  ten  or  fifteen 
fellow  adventurers.  Some  of  them  had  not  reached 
their  majority.  A  leading  business  man  of  Nashville 
writes:  "Those  men  were  run  from  home  by  Stokes's 
troops,  some  of  them  being  no  more  than  sixteen  years 
of  age.  I  knew  several  of  Kersey's  men.  One  of  them 
was  between  fifteen  or  sixteen.  He  afterwards  got 
into  the  regular  Confederate  army  and  died  about 
1910,  a  prominent  and  respected  citizen  of  White 
County." 

The  writer  was  very  young  when  the  band  made 
raids  into  Liberty,  and  he  regarded  its  members  with 
prejudice  from  the  fact  that  they  took  valuables  from 
William  Vick  and  James  Fuston.  But  another  busi- 
ness man  of  Nashville,  who  was  reared  in  Smithville, 
writes :  "If  they  robbed  anybody,  it  was  because  they 

239 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

thought  he  was  a  Union  sympathizer,  and  pillaging  ttie 
enemy  was  not  regarded  as  robbery.  Regular  Fed- 
erals and  Confederates  did  that." 

This  same  gentleman  relates  an  incident  that  took 
place  in  Smithville  during  the  war.  "One  day,"  he 
says,  "there  gathered  in  the  northern  part  of  the  town 
a  squad  of  men  belonging  to  Company  F,  Blackburn's 
Regiment,  to  secure  Federal  recruits — Ras  Foster, 
'Black  Biir  Foster,  Jim  Eastham,  Pal  Rigsby,  John 
Colwell,  and  others.  Suddenly  Kersey's  men  dashed 
into  town,  stampeding  the  recruiters.  Eastham  killed 
a  horse  trying  to  get  away,  while  eight  of  the  Federals 
were  killed,  among  them  Rigsby  and  Colwell."  An- 
other DeKalb  Countian  says:  "The  Rebel  citizens  of 
Smithville  were  pleased  over  this  raid,  for  they  had 
much  to  bear.  I  recall  how  a  Federal  was  pursuing  a 
citizen  through  mischief,  shooting  and  pretending  to 
want  to  kill  him,  when  the  man's  little  son  at  the  win- 
dow suggested  a  new  sort  of  military  tactics,  for  he 
cried  out:  'Run  crooked,  pap,  run  crooked,  an'  maybe 
the  bullets  will  miss  you !'  " 

As  indicated,  the  Short  Mountain  men  often  entered 
Liberty  at  night.  On  one  of  their  raids  they  sur- 
rounded the  home  of  Squire  Ben  Blades,  a  pioneer  and 
good  citizen  of  Union  sympathies,  about  midnight. 
He  tried  to  escape  out  a  back  door,  but  a  shot  fired 
through  the  door  killed  him  almost  instantly.  After 
this  the  citizens  armed  themselves,  resolved  on  defense ; 
but  the  raiders  did  not  appear  while  they  were  on 
watch. 

On  the  evening  of  July  23,  1864,  there  was  a  dance 

240 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

on  Canal  Creek  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Dennis.  A  num- 
ber of  Federals  were  attending — Captain  Hathaway, 
Lieut.  Thomas  G.  Bratten,  Henry  Blackburn,  and  a 
man  named  Parrish.  Dr.  Shields,  of  Smithville,  was 
also  there.  Later  in  the  night  Louis  Lyles  and  James 
Clarke  made  their  appearance.  Clarke,  a  mere  youth, 
had  on  a  Federal  uniform,  but  was  not  a  soldier. 

None  seemed  to  apprehend  danger.  The  fiddlers 
played  and  "called  the  figures,"  and  the  house  rocked 
to  the  rough  dances  of  the  time. 

Kersey's  men  got  word  of  the  ball  and  the  Federals' 
presence  and,  about  fifteen  in  all,  came  from  Short 
Mountain  to  exterminate  the  men  in  blue.  It  appears 
that  when  Lyles  and  Clarke  arrived  with  shouting  and 
shooting  from  down  the  creek  the  band,  who  were  near, 
withdrew,  thereby  putting  off  the  attack. 

Tired  out  at  last,  Hathaway  had  gone  to  sleep  in  a 
room  adjoining  that  of  the  merry-makers.  Bratten 
was  sitting  with  a  young  lady  on  the  stairway.  It  was 
far  in  the  night,  but  the  buzz  of  conversation  went  on. 
Two  or  three  soldiers  were  preparing  to  mount  their 
horses  when  suddenly  the  hills  resounded  to  the  re- 
ports of  guns  and  the  wild  shouts  of  Kersey's  men. 
Bratten  and  Lyles  reached  their  horses,  but  the  former 
had  forgotten  his  gun.  As  he  rushed  back  for  it  he 
discovered  the  enemy  in  the  yard,  shooting.  As  they 
passed  the  door  he  fired,  somewhat  checking  them. 
The  girls  were  trying  to  awaken  Hathaway ;  and,  call- 
ing out  that  the  bushwhackers  were  on  them,  Bratten 
got  on  his  horse  and  dashed  away. 

The  scene  was  now  one  of  confusion.  Hathaway 
i6  241 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

had  mounted  his  horse,  Blackhawk,  a  fine  animal  that 
could  pace  a  mile  in  2 130,  but  not  before  the  assailants 
had  started  in  pursuit  of  his  comrades.  Nevertheless, 
he  resolved  to  overtake  and  pass  the  pursuers.  Clarke 
had  been  overtaken.  Seeing  that  he  could  not  escape, 
he  dismounted  and  from  a  sheltering  tree  trunk  emptied 
his  pistols  at  the  enemy.  He  was  soon  killed.  While 
this  was  going  on  Hathaway  swept  by.  "I've  just  come 
through  hell !"  he  said. 

The  Federals  were  pursued  no  farther  after  the  kill- 
ing of  Clarke.  Hastening  to  Liberty,  they  later  in  the 
day,  with  twelve  men,  set  out  to  overtake  Kersey  and 
his  band.  Stealthily  approaching  a  thicket  half  a  mile 
south  of  Half  Acre,  they  found  Kersey's  horses  hal- 
tered and  a  part  of  his  men  asleep.  A  volley  was 
poured  into  the  slumberers.  One  of  them,  untouched, 
lan  down  the  mountain  and  escaped.  Pomp  Kersey 
was  also  unhurt  and  mounted  his  horse,  but  could  not 
untie  the  halter.  Bratten  put  his  gun  against  him,  but 
it  only  snapped ;  whereupon  Kersey  dismounted,  but  in 
trying  to  get  away  he  was  killed  by  Bratten  and  Hatha- 
way. Another  man,  perhaps  twenty  years  of  age,  tried 
to  escape,  but  was  slain  by  Hathaway  and  Dan  Gan. 
Five  had  been  killed  at  the  first  volley. 

Among  the  slain  were  Pomp  Kersey,  Jack  Neely, 
two  Arnold  brothers  from  Murfreesboro,  a  man  named 
Seats,  Benton,  Kelly,  and  one  other.  It  seems  that 
two  who  slept  some  distance  from  the  others  escaped — 
Ike  Gleason,  later  of  White  County,  and  a  man  of  the 
name  of  Hawkins,  who  was  some  years  later  a  citizen 
of  Oklahoma. 

242 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


The  seven  bodies  were  hauled  to  Liberty  on  an  ox 
wagon,  reaching  the  village  about  sunset  on  July  24. 
Thrown  into  a  vacant  storeroom,  they  were  the  next 
day  buried  on  the  Daniel  Smith  farm,  about  one  hun- 
dred yards  from  the  town  bridge.  Their  remains  were 
exhumed  after  the  war  by  friends  and  relatives  and 
carried  to  their  respective  neighborhoods  and  buried. 
The  Arnold  brothers,  who  were  regular  soldiers,  but 
cut  off  from  their  command,  were  reinterred  in  the 
Confederate  Cemetery  at  Murfreesboro. 

By  and  by  fighting  ceased  throughout  the  county, 
though  the  Federal  blue  was  still  in  evidence.  That 
period  in  the  writer's  memory  is  blurred  and  hazy. 
But  one  scene  stands  out  clearly — that  of  his  father, 
C.  W.  L.  Hale,  who  was  an  excellent  reader,  standing 
in  the  midst  of  a  group  of  villagers.  Union  and  South- 
em  in  their  sympathies,  with  a  Nashville  newspaper 
in  his  hand.  It  must  have  been  April  16  or  17,  1865. 
The  late  afternoon  was  cool  and  damp,  but  not  gloom- 
ier than  the  upturned  faces.  The  Southern  sympa- 
thizers were  filled  with  dread ;  the  others  with  sorrow. 
They  were  listening  to  the  earliest  news  they  could  get 
of  the  assassination  of  Lincoln. 

243 


CHAPTER  XXI. 
Peace  and  the  Aftermath. 

When  peace  came  in  April,  1865,  there  was  a  feel- 
ing of  relief  to  the  people  at  home,  not  entirely  un- 
mixed, however,  with  dread.  It  was  not  supposable 
that  neighbors  who  had  been  at  war  so  long  would 
dwell  together  without  friction.  War  makes  us  brutal 
in  action,  while  as  it  continues  morality  retrogresses. 
In  a  measure  the  people  who  sympathized  with  the 
South  in  the  great  struggle  expected  the  triumphant 
Unionists  to  be  overbearing,  and  this  was  the  case  in  a 
few  instances.  It  is  to  the  credit  of  the  Northern  sym- 
pathizers that  hundreds  of  them  seemed  ready  to  en- 
courage peace  and  amity.  Not  only  was  there  a  con- 
servative faction  with  the  successful  side  which  did 
everything  possible  to  restore  good  will,  but  it  was  not 
long  before  ex-Federal  soldiers  became  the  most  loyal 
patrons  of  those  merchants  who  had  been  loyal  to  the 
Confederacy.  Such  men  as  Joseph  Clarke — there  were 
a  number  in  the  county — often  risked  life  that  the  re- 
turned ex-Confederates  might  have  justice. 

There  were  here  and  there  a  few  men  who,  having 
become  desperate  through  war's  carnage,  were  slow  to 
yield  to  the  influences  of  peace.  When  inflamed  by 
strong  drink  they  were  especially  hostile.  So  it  was 
that,  following  the  war,  there  was  here  and  there  a  kill- 
ing, while  some  feuds  developed.  It  is  possible,  human 
nature  being  the  same,  that  there  would  have  been 
among  the  Southern  sympathizers  an  element  just  as 

244 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

lawless  and  overbearing  had  the  cause  of  the  South 
succeeded. 

It  would  have  been  wonderful  had  the  noncom- 
batants  living  in  the  villages  shown  no  antagonism 
toward  each  other  occasionally  while  the  war  was 
going  on.  Even  the  women  now  and  then  took  sides. 
One  day  the  children  of  two  ladies  of  opposite  senti- 
ments were  scrapping.  The  parents  of  each  passed 
a  few  words.  Said  the  one  of  less  refinement:  "The 
children  of  no  old  'secesh'  can  run  over  mine."  "And 
who  are  you?"  asked  the  "secesh"  with  some  scorn. 
The  answer  was  long-drawn-out  and  smacked  of  much 
pride :  "I'm  a  U-U-U-Union  woman." 

As  a  rule,  however,  neighbors  got  along  well.  The 
Southern  "skedaddlers"  frequently  found  a  safe  refuge 
in  the  homes  of  Unionists  in  the  country.  The  writer 
takes  this  opportunity  to  say  that,  though  his  parents 
were  Southern  in  sympathy,  they  were  never  molested 
by  Stokes,  Blackburn,  or  Hathaway ;  but,  on  the  other 
hand,  were  treated  with  great  respect.  Colonel  Black- 
burn one  night  was  seen  passing  through  the  yard 
spying  while  the  village  was  filled  with  Confederates. 
He  was  not  reported — he  was  "a  neighbor's  boy" — 
and  went  his  way  safely,  as  he  knew  he  would. 

Peace  brought  with  it  a  new  aspect  to  occasions  like 
elections.  The  freed  negroes  gathered  by  hundreds 
in  the  towns.  In  vividness  the  scenes  return  to-day — 
old  blacks  like  Ike  Lamberson,  with  competitors,  sell- 
ing cider  and  ginger  cake,  others  vending  melons,  and 
all  noisy  and  happy  over  their  liberation.  If  there  was 
any  violence  on  their  part,  it  is  not  recalled.     There 

245 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

was  a  kindly  feeling  on  the  part  of  ex-slaves  for  their 
'"white  folks,"  and  numerous  families  did  not  leave 
their  old  quarters  for  some  years. 

As  the  soldiers  swore  mightily  in  Flanders,  so  there 
was  in  DeKalb  much  drinking  and  fighting,  particu- 
larly on  Saturdays  and  on  election  days.  When  the 
L-oyal  League,  an  order  composed  mainly  of  negroes, 
was  formed,  it  was  regarded  as  a  menace  to  the  safety 
of  society,  and  many  whites  began  to  view  the  freed- 
man  with  disfavor.  The  Ku-Klux  Klan  was  organized, 
and  it  soon  had  the  blacks  terrorized.  No  member  of 
the  order  was  ever  convicted  in  Tennessee.  One  in- 
dictment at  least  was  found  in  DeKalb  County,  and 
two  cases  of  whippings  occurred.  There  were  at  one 
time  half  a  million  members  in  the  South.  The  order 
was  formed  in  Pulaski,  Tenn.,  in  the  summer  of  1866 
and  was  disbanded  in  March,  1869.  Its  name  con- 
tinued to  be  used  by  unknown  organizations,  and  al- 
leged "Ku-Klux  outrages"  were  reported  as  late  as 
1872.  Governor  Brownlow  in  1868  called  out  the  mili- 
tia to  suppress  the  order,  many  DeKalb  Countians  be- 
coming militiamen. 

Tennessee  was  readmitted  to  the  Union  in  July, 
T865.  Prior  to  that  (April  5)  William  G.  Brownlow 
was  inaugurated  Governor  of  the  State.  The  legisla- 
ture, in  session  that  month,  practically  disfranchised 
all  those  voters  who  had  not  been  Union  men.  In 
1866  the  negroes  were  given  the  right  to  vote  by  the 
Brownlow  legislature,  made  up  of  Radicals  and  Con- 
servatives, the  former  in  favor  of  very  harsh  laws 
toward  the  ex-Rebels,  the  latter  Cwho  had  always  been 

246 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Union  men)  in  favor  of  milder  treatment.  There  \\a.s> 
a  "split,"  and  the  two  wings,  or  factions,  became  very 
bitter  toward  each  other.  In  February,  1869,  Gov- 
ernor Brownlow  was  elected  to  the  United  States 
Senate,  the  Speaker  of  the  State  Senate,  D.  W.  C. 
Senter,  becoming  Governor.  In  the  same  year  Gov- 
ernor Senter  was  a  candidate  for  election,  nominated 
by  the  Conservatives.  William  B.  Stokes  was  nomi- 
nated by  the  Radicals. 

There  was  an  exciting  joint  canvass.  Both  candi- 
dates were  excellent  speakers,  Stokes,  the  "Bald 
Eagle,"  being  the  better  under  normal  conditions. 
They  spoke  in  DeKalb  County  in  their  itinerary. 
Reaching  Libert} ,  Stokes  had  luncheon  at  the  home  of 
his  brother-in-law,  C.  W.  L.  Hale,  a  Southern  sympa- 
thizer. In  the  afternoon  the  contestants  held  forth  in 
a  grove  near  where  the  Murfreesboro  road  intersects 
the  Lebanon  and  Sparta  Turnpike.  The  audience  was 
large  and  somewhat  boisterous,  but  order  was  good. 

Meantime  plans  had  been  put  on  foot  to  insure  the 
"Bald  Eagle's"  defeat.  At  the  time  of  the  contest  the 
Confederate  element  was  led  by  Gen.  John  C.  Brown. 
His  followers  offered  to  support  Senter  if  the  latter 
should  allow  them  to  vote.  He  agreed.  The  vote  on 
election  day  stood:  For  Senter,  120,234;  for  Stokes, 
only  55,046. 

The  legislature  was  Democratic  in  both  branches 
and  met  October  4,  1869.  Thus  the  Democratic  party 
regained  ascendancy  in  about  four  years  after  the  close 
of  the  war. 

Then  came  the  convention,  in  1870,  to  form  a  new 

247 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

Constitution — the  one  which  exists  at  present.  The 
delegate  from  DeKalb  County  was  Col,  J.  H.  Black- 
burn, as  previously  stated. 


The  people  by  a  four  years'  war  were  placed  as  the 
pioneers  were — they  had  to  begin  over  to  establish 
themselves  socially  and  materially.  In  depicting  their 
makeshifts  and  customs  one  but  depicts  the  makeshifts 
and  customs  of  the  grandparents  to  a  large  extent,  and 
it  is  profitable  and  illuminative  to  sketch  these  rather 
in  detail. 

Boots  were  almost  wholly  worn  by  men.  The  cus- 
tom prolonged  the  life  of  the  serviceable  bootjack,  once 
familiar  in  all  homes.  There  were  no  screened  win- 
dows. Wherefore  the  house  fly  was  a  greater  nuisance 
than  now — that  is,  if  he  was  as  prone  to  load  himseli 
down  with  disease  germs  as  he  is  to-day.  The  fore- 
parents  knew  a  thing  or  two,  however,  and  used  a  "fly 
broom"  in  the  dining  room.  Some  of  these  brooms  were 
things  of  beauty.  An  elderly  lady  named  Grandstaff 
lived  on  Dismal  Creek,  and  her  handiwork  was  so  ar- 
tistic as  to  give  local  prestige  to  a  stream  even  so 
wretchedly  named  as  that.  The  brush  of  her  fly 
brooms  was  made  of  the  tail  feathers  of  peacocks ; 
while  the  handle,  some  four  feet  long,  was  covered  with 
the  plaited  white  quills  of  the  same  bird.  It  was  gor- 
geous and  must  have  cost  several  dollars. 

In  the  village  and  country  back  yards  the  homely  ash 
hopper  was  a  familiar  object — made  usually  of  a  barrel, 
each  end  knocked  out,  and  set  on  a  slightly  inclined 
platform.     It   was  filled  with   wood   ashes,   through 

248 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

which  a  few  bucketfuls  of  water  were  allowed  to  seep. 
The  product  was  lye,  and  the  product  of  lye  and  meat 
rinds  and  bones  boiled  together  was  an  excellent  quality 
of  soft  soap.  By  the  way,  the  ash  hopper  was  the 
bete  noir  of  the  head  of  the  house.  The  springtime 
was  not  a  sweet  time  to  him  until  tlie  ash  hopper  had 
been  made  and  filled.  Somehow  he  dreaded  the  task, 
and  it  is  little  wonder  that  a  member  of  his  tribe  per- 
petrated this:  "The  hardest  things  that  come  up  in  a 
man's  life  are  building  the  spring  ash  hopper  and  cut- 
ting summer  stove  wood." 

Another  feature  of  the  back  yard  was  the  dye  pot. 
The  foremothers  made  much — almost  all — of  the 
family's  wearing  apparel,  as  well  as  their  carpets, 
necessitating  the  cards  for  carding  wool,  the  spinning 
wheel,  the  reel,  the  winding  blades,  and  the  loom.  All 
of  these,  excepting  the  hand  cards,  were  homemade. 
To  give  the  cloth,  or  thread,  or  "chain,"  for  the  carpet 
the  desired  color,  it  was  put  into  the  dye  pot.  Dyeing 
materials  were  logwood,  cochineal,  indigo,  madder, 
and  copperas.  Blue-mixed  jeans  was  regarded  the 
most  suitable  for  men's  suits.  A  kind  of  jeans  was 
woven  especially  for  vests,  or  "weskets,"  with  red  or 
yellow  stripes,  and  sometimes  red,  yellow,  and  blue 
stripes  occurred  in  the  same  piece.  The  writer  during 
the  post-bellum  period  saw  his  mother  make  a  "pat- 
tern" for  the  sort  of  cotton  dress  goods  she  desired, 
the  weaver  following  it  faithfully.  Threads  of  dif- 
ferent colors  were  wrapped  around  a  bit  of  cardboard 
or  a  flat  piece  of  wood,  the  stripes — red,  yellow,  black, 
01  blue — ^being  of  uniform  width  or  varying  to  suit  the 

249 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

fancy.  When  woven  the  cloth  would  indeed  "fairly 
hurt  the  eyes." 

Tin  molds  for  making  candles  were  used  some  years 
after  the  war.  They  were  made  in  sizes  to  suit — to 
mold  a  half  dozen  or  a  dozen  tallow  candles  at  a  time. 
A  wick  was  run  through  each  mold  and  fastened  at 
both  ends.  At  the  top  all  were  attached,  so  that  every 
candle  could  be  drawn  out  at  once.  The  molten  tallow 
would  then  be  poured  in,  forming  around  the  wicks. 
When  the  tallow  had  become  hard  the  molds  were 
heated  slightly,  when  the  candles  could  be  pulled  out 
easily. 

Bread  trays,  bee  gums  of  hollow  logs,  ax  handles, 
ox  yokes  and  bows,  rolling  pins,  chairs,  chests  (make- 
shifts for  trunks),  water  buckets,  tubs,  and  churns 
were  handmade  of  buckeye,  cedar,  hickory,  and  other 
woods.  No  doubt  there  are  still  hickorv  chairs  in  Ten- 
nessee  made  more  than  a  century  ago.  Gourds  sufficed 
for  dippers,  while  a  larger  variety  were  used  in  the 
kitchen  for  holding  salt,  soft  soap,  brown  sugar,  and 
the  like. 

A  relic  of  the  old  times  was  the  horse  block  near 
the  front  gate  of  village  or  farmhouses.  It  was  con- 
structed for  the  ladies,  who  seldom  rode  in  a  carriage 
and  never  dreamed  of  an  automobile.  They  would 
mount  the  horse  from  it  if  going  visiting,  while  visiting 
guests  would  dismount  upon  it.  Horseback-riding  was 
popular  as  well  as  necessary  if  one  were  "going 
abroad,"  as  even  neighborhood  visiting  was  spoken  of. 
Riding  man  fashion  was  not  in  vogue  even  by  the  most 
hoidenish  girl.    Ladies  were,  as  may  be  imagined,  ac- 

250 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

complished  equestrians.  Moreover,  a  country  girl 
prized  a  new  sidesaddle  and  riding  skirt  as  much  as  a 
city  girl  would  now  prize  a  piano.  Those  of  well-to-do 
parents  were  often  provided  with  a  good  mount, 
usually  a  pacer.  It  was  a  delightful  experience  to  see 
some  village  belle  and  her  beau  taking  a  ride,  the  for- 
mer, adorable  in  her  riding  habit,  putting  her  pacer  to 
the  limit,  her  escort  keeping  alongside  on  a  galloping 
animal. 

Other  "luxuries,"  necessities,  and  fashions  of  "auld 
lang  syne"  were :  Candle  snuffers,  casters,  accordeons, 
picture  albums,  paper  collars,  dickeys  (false  shirt 
fronts),  reticules,  hoops,  petticoats,  bustles,  chignons, 
sunbonnets  with  pasteboard  stiffening,  snuff  boxes  and 
hickory  or  althea  toothbrushes,  home  remedies  like 
horehound  sirup  and  vermifuge  made  of  boiled  pink- 
root,  knitting  needles,  yarn  socks,  breakfast  shawls, 
nubias,  comforts,  hair  nets,  and  hair  oil  for  men. 

But  the  old  order  has  passed  away.  Not  only  bug- 
gies and  carriages  are  common,  but  the  automobile  is 
no  longer  amazing.  In  town  and  hamlet  the  girl  who 
"sets  out"  makes  her  debut;  "infairs"  are  receptions; 
"going  abroad"  is  spending  the  week-end ;  the  "party" 
or  "frolic"  has  been  turned  into  a  function,  and  refer- 
ence to  color  schemes,  linen  or  kitchen  showers,  and 
progressive  luncheons  does  not  send  the  latter-day 
rural  belle  to  the  dictionary  for  light. 

While  from  1900  to  191  o  the  county  lost  1,026  of 
its  population,  it  has  made  remarkable  progress.  In 
1914  it  was  out  of  debt,  with  a  comfortable  surplus 
($6,000)    in  the  hands  of  the  trustee.     Every  part 

251 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

shows  tliis  substantial  progress.  In  the  Highlands  old 
agricultural  methods  have  given  way  to  new,  and  thrift 
followed  in  spite  of  the  inferiority  of  the  soil  com- 
pared with  that  in  the  Basin.  Better  homes  and  more 
comfortable  living  are  decidedly  apparent.  A  feature 
of  that  section  is  the  great  number  of  nurseries.  It  is 
estimated  that  the  income  from  them  will  reach  a  quar- 
ter of  a  million  dollars  yearly. 

In  the  Basin  live  stock  and  grain — "hog  and  hominy" 
— still  hold  the  closest  attention  of  the  farmers.  There 
are  quite  a  number  of  fine  farms  with  progressive 
owners.  United  States  Marshal  John  W.  Overall  pos- 
sesses about  nine  hundred  acres,  raising  cattle  on  a 
large  scale.  Ed  Simpson,  near  Alexandria,  is  widely 
known  among  breeders  for  his  registered  Hereford 
cattle.*  Dr.  T.  J.  Jackson,  with  about  five  hundred 
acres,  devotes  much  time  to  cattle.  Herschel  Overall, 
with  six  hundred  acres,  sells  annually  a  large  number 
of  mules,  cattle,  and  hogs.  There  are  stockmen  who 
buy  as  many  as  two  thousand  suckling  mules  and  raise 
them  to  maturity  with  profitable  results.  J.  I.  Banks, 
of  Dry  Creek,  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best  bee- 
keepers of  the  State.  He  makes  a  specialty  of  queens 
and  has  patrons  throughout  the  Union.  Rev.  O.  P. 
Barry,  of  Alexandria,  besides  doing  a  produce  busi- 
ness of  $200,000  annually,  is  a  successful  breeder  of 

*It  may  be  remarked  that  Mr.  Simpson  served  in  Company 
H,  Twelfth  Regiment  United  States  Volunteers,  in  the  Philip- 
pines. Other  young  men  from  the  county  who  took  part  in 
the  war  there  were  Gray  Davis,  Frank  Colvert,  George  Brat- 
ten,  Lewis  Smith,  Robert  Givan,  and  Herbert  L.  Hale. 

252 


History     of     DeKalb     County 


pure-bred  hogs.  The  smaller  farmers  are  touched  with 
the  spirit  of  progress  also  and  contribute  largely  to  the 
volume  of  business  done  by  the  six  local  banks.  Under 
such  conditions  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  mer- 
chandising and  other  businesses  succeed  as  never  be- 
fore. 

The  redemption  of  Pea  Ridge  strikingly  illustrates 
the  spirit  of  progress.  Twenty-five  years  ago  the  won- 
der was  if  anything  good  could  come  out  of  this  Naza- 
reth. The  years  have  replied.  Pea  Ridge  is  a  long 
ridge  extending  from  Clear  Fork  to  Dry  Creek  east- 
ward and  to  Short  Mountain  on  the  south,  covering 
a  territory  from  two  to  seven  miles  in  width.  It  is 
level  and  ten  or  twelve  miles  in  length.  The  land  was 
covered  with  scrub  oak,  blackjack,  and  pine.  For  years 
the  inhabitants  made  a  scant  living  by  selling  rails, 
boards,  hoop  poles,  baskets,  charcoal,  tar,  whortle- 
berries, chestnuts,  and  service  berries.  Here  and  there 
one  made  whisky.  Tom  Anderson,  a  Pea  Ridge  citi- 
zen of  some  humor,  once  observed  that  the  people  were 
"only  a  tribe  of  board  makers."  But  after  the  timber 
showed  indication  of  giving  out  the  inhabitants  began 
to  till  the  soil  in  earnest.  To  their  surprise,  it  proved 
quite  productive.  Orchards  were  planted,  yielding 
abundantly.  No  finer  vegetables  can  be  grown  any- 
where. Large  crops  of  corn  meet  the  eyes  of  the 
traveler  in  season.  It  is  really  one  of  the  best  country 
sections  in  the  county.  The  moral  tone  has  been  ele- 
vated also.  There  are  schoolhouses,  two  churches,  and 
a  well-patronized  general  store  kept  by  M.  D.  Herman. 

The  circulation  of  agricultural  and  other  journals 

253 


History     of     DeKalb     County 

has  increased  a  thousandfold  since  the  war.  With  the 
telephone  (it  is  in  the  homes  of  even  small  farm- 
ers), better  roads,  lighter  vehicles,  good  churches  and 
schools,  and  the  rural  service,  the  isolation  which  was 
once  noticeable  is  now  negligible.  The  split-oak  chair, 
corded  bedstead,  and  homemade  clothing  are  rarely 
seen.  The  fiddle  and  dulcimer  have  been  banished  for 
the  phonograph  and  piano.  These  material  means  in- 
fluence the  mental  life,  and  both  material  and  mental 
changes  act  and  react  on  the  spiritual  life  for  the  bet- 
ter. But  it  will  be  well  if  the  swing  toward  the  com- 
mercial side  does  not  go  too  far,  allowing  manhood  to 
decay  while  wealth  accumulates. 

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